Rep. Steve Toth

Maddy summaryHB 2066 allows eligible individuals to have arrest records expunged for unlawful handgun carrying offenses committed before September 1, 2021. It specifically applies to people convicted or placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for violating Section 46.02(a) of the Penal Code as it existed prior to that date. The bill amends Texas law to require expungement of all related arrest records once a person completes their supervision term, with the law taking effect September 1, 2025. This directly affects individuals with pre-2021 cases involving handgun possession charges under the old legal standard.

Maddy summaryHB 2721 requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install and maintain a highway sign at the entrance to the "Gulf of America" cultural attraction along Interstate 45 near Galveston. The sign must include the exact wording "Welcome to Galveston, Gateway to the Gulf of America" and must comply with Texas and federal traffic control device standards. This bill affects only the Texas DOT's signage operations at this specific location and does not alter broader transportation policies.

Maddy summaryThe bill text for HB 971 is unavailable in the provided context, and no specific provisions or affected parties can be identified. The title indicates it relates to HOV lane usage for passing certain vehicles, but without the full text or legislative details, concrete policy changes cannot be described. Recent actions show it was referred to the Transportation committee and left pending, but no further details on mechanisms or scope are provided. For an accurate summary, the full bill text or official documentation would be required.

Maddy summaryHB 125 creates the Tarleton State University College of Osteopathic Medicine as a new academic unit within Tarleton State University. The bill establishes that the college will operate under the oversight of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, offer osteopathic medicine degrees under Tarleton's authority, and partner with public or private teaching hospitals. This legislation directly affects Tarleton State University students seeking osteopathic medicine degrees and expands Texas' network of medical education institutions. The bill amends Texas Education Code to formally include the new college in the state's list of authorized medical and dental programs.

Maddy summaryHB 3394 modifies Texas law governing deputy constable appointments. It requires elected constables to submit a written application to their county commissioners court before appointing a deputy, demonstrating the need for the position to handle precinct business and naming the proposed deputy. The commissioners court must approve the appointment, and the deputy must take an official oath before starting duties (with reappointments allowing temporary service without retaking the oath). The bill also clarifies that constables are responsible for deputies' official actions and sets fines of $50-$1,000 for violations like serving without proper appointment. This directly affects constables and their deputies in county law enforcement offices.

Maddy summaryHB 5510, titled the Women and Child Protection Act, creates civil liability for distributing abortion-inducing drugs and establishes a private civil right of action against individuals or organizations that facilitate access to elective abortions. The bill directly affects abortion assistance organizations - defined as entities providing financial support, travel arrangements, childcare, or logistical services to enable abortions - as well as those distributing abortion-inducing drugs. Key provisions include authorizing private lawsuits for damages related to these activities and creating criminal offenses for certain violations. The law harmonizes existing abortion-related provisions in Texas law while focusing on civil enforcement mechanisms rather than criminal penalties for patients.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HR 945), not a legislative bill with policy provisions. It formally honors Pope Francis following his death on April 21, 2025, recognizing his life, leadership as the first Latin American pope, and global efforts to serve the vulnerable. The resolution memorializes his legacy, including his work during Argentina's economic crisis, interfaith initiatives, and pandemic-era outreach. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group through policy changes. As a procedural resolution, it serves only to express collective remembrance.

Maddy summaryHB 1255 increases criminal penalties for professionals required to report child abuse (such as teachers, doctors, and childcare workers) who commit specific offenses against children in their care. It raises the minimum jail time for qualifying misdemeanors to 180 days and applies to offenses including assault, sexual abuse, and neglect listed in the Penal Code. The law only affects cases where the offender was a mandated reporter at the time of the crime and the victim was under their care. It takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not apply to first-degree felony offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 215 changes how child support payments are handled for children in the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) conservatorship. It directs DFPS to assign a child's support rights and benefits directly to a relative or designated caregiver who is caring for the child, rather than keeping them with the state. The bill also requires DFPS to help caregivers become the "representative payee" for federal programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. This ensures caregivers can access and manage these funds to support the child's daily needs. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2666 reclassifies arson involving a government building as a first-degree felony (instead of second-degree) under Texas law. This change applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, and increases penalties for intentionally damaging government buildings through fire. The bill specifically targets cases where the property damaged was a government building, habitation, or place of assembly/worship, with the government building provision being the focus of this amendment. It does not alter penalties for arson against other property types or for cases occurring before the effective date.