New Year brings new laws to Texas
As the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve, a slate of 30 new Texas laws officially became effective across the state.
Of those new laws, 19 are tax-related, while others were passed on the ballot during the November election.
One of the more controversial laws to take effect comes from Senate Bill 17, which bans diversity, equity, and inclusion offices at public universities in the state. Schools are also prohibited from diversity, equity, and inclusion activities and hiring practices.
In an attempt to rehabilitate juveniles, HB3186 allows youth diversion strategies and procedures for children accused of certain fine-only offenses. The bill creates a designation for a Youth Diversion Coordinator to implement strategies.
Diversion strategies include participation in community service, court-approved teen court programs, and alcohol and drug testing.
Due to concerns that the tobacco market is targeting underage users, HB4758 gives a Class B misdemeanor for e-cigarettes to market, advertise or sell products that depict cartoon-like characters or other trademarks that target minors.
SB10 will go into effect after being passed by the Texas legislature earlier this year. The bill gives all Texas Teacher Retirement System members a cost-of-living adjustment.
Article 4 of SB2, passed in November, limits appraisal value increases for non- homestead properties valued at less than $5 million to 20% per year.
The Texas Broadband Development Office seeks input from Southeast Texas residents on their new Texas Digital Opportunity Plan, which will expand high-speed internet access in rural areas.
The state has $4 billion to spend on this project. It has partnered with organizations and elected officials to demonstrate and inform how high-speed internet in rural communities could help Texans and grow the state economy.
Finally, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the writing of Texas’s state song, HB2323 allows the creation of a special license plate that includes the words “Texas, Our Texas” and the dates “1924-2024.” Revenue from this plate will be deposited into the state’s general revenue fund.