Steve Toth

Steven Hixson Toth is an American businessman, pastor, and politician currently serving as a member of the Texas House of Representatives for District 15, which encompasses The Woodlands area in Montgomery County. A member of the Republican Party, Toth has been active in Texas politics and has a background in both business and religious leadership. He has also gained recognition for his involvement in various legislative initiatives and community activities.

Early life and career

Steve Toth was born on November 29, 1960, in New York. He grew up in the suburban Rochester area, where he attended Pittsford Mendon High School. Following his high school education, Toth pursued further studies at Rochester Bible College, which laid the foundation for his later career in ministry.

Before entering politics, Toth established himself as a businessman in The Woodlands, Texas. He is the owner of Acclaim Pools and My Pool Xpert, companies that provide pool construction and maintenance services. Toth's professional background also includes a significant role in the religious community; he served as a pastor at Family Life Ministries, which is part of the Fellowship of The Woodlands, a congregation that has since been renamed The Woodlands Church. Additionally, he was an elder and teacher at WoodsEdge Community Church, another non-denominational church located in The Woodlands.

In addition to his business and pastoral work, Toth has contributed to public discourse through his role as a commentator on the political show "FOX Faceoff," which airs on Fox 26 Houston. This platform has allowed him to engage with a broader audience on various political issues.

Legislative service

Toth's political career began when he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2012, representing District 15. This district is situated entirely within suburban Montgomery County and is part of the Houston metropolitan area. Following his election, Toth was appointed to the House Republican Caucus Policy Committee, where he served as the East Texas representative.

During his first legislative session in 2013, Toth authored and carried the CSCOPE Transparency Act, which aimed to bring the CSCOPE curriculum under the oversight of the Texas State Board of Education. This legislation was part of a broader effort to increase transparency and accountability in educational materials used in Texas schools.

Toth has been involved in various legislative initiatives focusing on gun rights. He authored the Firearms Protection Act, which sought to limit federal control over firearms and protect the Second Amendment rights of Texans. Although the bill passed in the Texas House, it did not receive approval in the Senate. However, a similar piece of legislation, which Toth supported, was eventually passed and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in 2021.

In the 2019 legislative session, Toth introduced several bills addressing a range of issues. One notable piece of legislation was the Jones Forest Preservation Act, which aimed to protect the 1,722-acre William Goodrich Jones State Forest from potential development. This act was prompted by concerns from local residents about traffic congestion and the preservation of a significant natural area.

Toth's legislative efforts also included measures related to school safety. He co-authored a bill requiring Texas schools and law enforcement agencies to establish active shooter response plans and conduct annual drills. Additionally, he introduced the JD Lambright Local Government Ethics Reform Act, which mandated transparency regarding contracts between local governments and taxpayer-funded lobbyists.

Throughout his tenure, Toth has also focused on issues related to reproductive rights. He co-authored bills aimed at restricting access to abortion, including legislation that would ban abortions after the detection of an unborn child's heartbeat. He also supported measures prohibiting government entities from providing resources to organizations like Planned Parenthood.

Toth has been active in advocating for changes to cannabis laws in Texas. He introduced a bill aimed at reducing the penalties for cannabis possession, seeking to reclassify simple possession from a Class B to a Class C misdemeanor. This legislative effort was part of a broader discussion on criminal justice reform in the state.

In addition to his legislative initiatives, Toth has participated in various votes on significant issues, including flood control projects and environmental conservation measures. His involvement in these areas reflects a commitment to addressing both local and statewide concerns.

Policy focus and district

As a representative of District 15, Toth's policy focus encompasses a variety of issues that resonate with his constituents. His legislative agenda has prominently featured gun rights, education transparency, environmental conservation, and public safety. Toth's advocacy for Second Amendment rights aligns with the values of many constituents in his district, which is known for its suburban character and family-oriented community.

The Jones Forest Preservation Act exemplifies Toth's commitment to environmental issues, as it seeks to safeguard a significant natural resource in the region. This legislation reflects the concerns of local residents who prioritize the preservation of green spaces and the impact of development on community infrastructure.

Toth's engagement with education policy, particularly through the CSCOPE Transparency Act, highlights his interest in ensuring that educational materials meet the standards and expectations of Texas families. His work in this area aims to enhance accountability within the state's educational framework.

In the realm of public safety, Toth's initiatives related to active shooter response plans demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing contemporary challenges faced by schools and communities. His focus on ensuring that law enforcement agencies are prepared to respond effectively to threats underscores a commitment to the safety and well-being of constituents.

Overall, Steve Toth's legislative career reflects a blend of business acumen, community involvement, and a focus on issues that resonate with the values and concerns of his constituents in District 15. His ongoing service in the Texas House of Representatives continues to shape the political landscape of the region.