NEWS. If passed, these bills would establish rules and regulations regarding qualifying patients, a patient registry system, cannabis testing facilities, licensure of dispensing organizations, allowable amounts, taxes, fees, and more. The commissioner shall set the rate of the adjustment no later than November 1st of each year. Promote awareness among the public regarding how the office may be contacted, the purpose of the office, and the services the office provides. HB2367, on the other hand, seeks to amend Section 504.002 of the Texas Transportation Code to state that the department shall allow a vehicle registered under Chapter 502 to be equipped with a license plate that utilizes integrated circuit technology., Many drivers are frustrated with the increasing number of toll-funded highway projects in the state, as well as the fact that our states oldest toll roads still collect fees from drivers even though the road has long since been paid off.. Possession of more than two (2) grams and less than two (2) ounces of marijuana would still be a Class B misdemeanor. If passed, HB2828 seeks to provide one-time cash payments (or credits) of $250, provided by state funds, to residential and commercial customers of municipally owned utilities, electric cooperatives, and retail electric providers in the ERCOT power region. Under HB477, money generated from the casinos would go toward residual windstorm insurance coverage and catastrophic flooding assistance in those areas. The program would collect captured plate data, and permit peace officers to issue citations for failing to maintain financial responsibility. The Texas Driver's Handbook is available online to help you qualify for a Texas driver license. Violations of this Act (which are not remedied) would result in administrative penalties of not less than $25,000. See our Carry of Firearms page for more info on this new law. If passed, the bill would: The bill also seeks to allow counties and municipalities to further restrict the speed at which a person may operate a motor-assisted scooter, the locations a person may operate a motor-assisted scooter, locations a person may park a scooter, a minimum age requirement, higher civil and criminal penalties for traffic law violations, as well as the requirement that riders wear a safety helmet. The bill seeks to establish basic guidelines, outline responsibilities, insurance requirements, record retention policies, and more. If passed, HB827 seeks to amend Chapter 372 of the Texas Transportation Code in order to prohibit toll project entities (or private entities that operate a toll project) from disclosing information on the speed at which a vehicle is operated on the toll project to a law enforcement agency for the purpose of proving an offense under Subchapter H, Chapter 545 (speed restrictions). The unmanned aircraft was equipped only with a chemical dispensing device or with a firearm containing nonlethal rounds and operated in the course of the actors actual discharge of official duties as a peace officer. Reinstating Your License. The money placed in a minors savings account, trust account, or trust subaccount may not be withdrawn, removed, paid out, or transferred to any person, including the minor, except pursuant to a court order, on the minors 18th birthday, or upon the minors death. Arnold Schwarzenegger before it becomes law. In September of 2003, Texas passed a law which substantially limited the amount of compensation that medical malpractice victims can seek from a physician or health care provider in civil court. If passed, SB750 seeks to prohibit operators of sexually oriented businesses (nightclubs, bars, restaurants, or similar commercial enterprises that provide for an audience of two or more individuals live nude entertainment or live nude performances) that do not hold an alcohol permit from allowing a person to: Operators of these establishments (or their agents) who violate this law would be subject to a Class A misdemeanor. likely played a role in the crash. Before discharging the firearm, the officer has exhausted all other reasonable means of mitigating or preventing the deadly force by the driver or has determined that other means of mitigating or preventing the deadly force would be inappropriate under the circumstances. Here's a . HB2588, SB950 & SB1626 on the other hand, each seek to amend Chapter 2 of Texas Code of Criminal Procedure by adding a section titled Cite and Release Policy. For HB2588, this policy would state that law enforcement agencies in the state shall adopt a written policy regarding the issuance of citations for all misdemeanor offenses, other than violent misdemeanors. Section 11.179 of the Texas Education Codecurrently allows school districts to adopt a policy allowing the consumption, possession, and sale of alcoholic beverages at an event held at a performing arts facility owned by the district (if leased to a nonprofit organization for an event not sponsored or sanctioned by the district, and held outside of regular school hours). A peace officer may not assert official immunity as a defense to liability, and the officers governmental unit would also be liable to such a suit under the doctrine of respondeat superior. SB4 seeks to amend Subtitle F, Title 10 of Texas Government Code in order to add a section titled Agreements With Professional Sports Teams. If passed, the bill would prohibit governmental entities from entering into agreements with professional sports teams that requires a financial commitment by this state or any governmental entity unless the agreement includes: If passed, HB1758 seeks to amend Chapter 423 of Texas Government Code in order to make it a Class A misdemeanor to operate an unmanned aircraft that is equipped with a chemical dispensing device, an explosive weapon, an improvised explosive device, or a firearm.. If passed, SB70 would require every peace officer to submit a detailed report to their law enforcement agency regarding each incident in which the officer uses force, or witnesses another officer use force, against a person suspected of committing an offense. New laws affecting TDLR licensees take effect September 1 . The Texas Compassionate Use Act (first passed in 2015) already allows physicians in Texas to prescribe low-THC cannabis to patients diagnosed with epilepsy, seizure disorders, multiple sclerosis, spasticity, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, autism, terminal cancer, or an incurable neurodegenerative disease., If passed, HB1233 seeks to amend Sections 169.002 and 169.003 of the Texas Occupations Code in order to remove these specific qualifying conditions. For 1 year, if you are under 21 years old and: An additional 180 days, if you don't complete an Alcohol Education Program. The majority of motor vehicle collisions are caused by acts of negligence. Express its support for public and private efforts to eradicate anti-AAPI racism in all its forms. An employee who is involved in an alleged incident. Now passed, this law takes effect immediately. Excerpt from the bill: For thousands of years, the mermaid has been one of the most striking symbols of humanitys connection with the natural world, and over the past century, this legendary figure has come to represent the city of San Marcos and its special relationship to the water resources of Central Texas.. Currently, employees in Texas only have 180 days to file a claim for unpaid wages with the Texas Workforce Commission. Michigan will no longer suspend driver's licenses for issues unrelated to driving safety, such as missed court appointments and unpaid fees. HJR52 seeks to change this by amending Article III of the Texas Constitution to state that the Texas Legislature shall meet every year. HB2434 goes a bit further, requiring that board members (as well as the CEO) must live and work in the state.. HB1199 & HB1274, if passed, would also amend Section 504.010 of the Texas Transportation Code to state that a person is entitled to operate on a public highway a passenger car or light truck that displays only one license plate if the plate is attached at the rear of the vehicle, and that the department shall issue only one license plate for attachment at the rear of a passenger car or light truck for which the plate is issued.. Each of the four joint resolutions above propose an amendment to the Texas constitution which states that the legislature by law shall authorize and regulate the possession, cultivation, and sale of cannabis for medical use in this state., These three bills seek to amend Chapter 487 of the Texas Health and Safety Code in order to lay the legal groundwork for medical marijuana sales in Texas. Any billboards erected on cemetery property under a contract or lease entered into before the effective date of this Act would have to be dismantled or removed from the cemetery on the expiration date of the existing contract or lease between the cemetery organization and the billboard owner or lessee. Since this time, the noneconomic damages portion of a victims claim have been limited to an amount not to exceed $250,000regardless of whether or not the plaintiff was awarded more in court. If voters decide to observe standard time year round, this would go into effect beginning 01/01/2022. SB42, if passed, would seek to expand on this law by banning all hand-held mobile phone usage while driving (except when necessary to contact emergency services). HB1609 goes even further by seeking to classify possession of four (4) ounces or less of marijuana as a Class C misdemeanor. Both HB4519 & SB2003, if passed, also seek to amend Section 2154.202(g) of the Texas Occupations Code in order to permit fireworks sales to the public beginning June 14 and ending at midnight on June 19 (Juneteenth), as well as five days before Labor Day and ending at midnight on Labor Day. If passed, both HB439 and SB151 seek to create a new, lower punishment range for possession and/or delivery of marijuana concentrates. The amount paid, the amount that would have been paid, or the amount likely to be paid for the medical or health care services by a health benefit plan, workers compensation insurance, an employer-provided plan, Medicaid, Medicare, or another similar source available. If passed, SB419 seeks to again increase this limit from $20,000 to $50,000. Strangely, the text of HB1980 states that this would not apply to a negotiated settlement agreement or administrative action.. Requiring that a part or product be purchased from any vendor or supplier on the basis that the part or product is the least expensive part or product available. 0:00. If passed, HB904 seeks to amend Section 662.003(b) of the Texas Government Code (a list of official Texas state holidays) to add the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of an even-numbered year (election day) as a state holiday. Any bills in this list which have passed both the house and senate (or which have already been signed into law) have been updated below, and well continue to update this page as more bills are signed into law over the coming weeks. Address the topics of privacy, what constitute a private space, and when and under what circumstances a body camera can or should be turned off. Strongly condemn racism against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders; and, Call on state law enforcement officials, working with federal and local officials, to investigate and prosecute all credible reports of hate crimes and incidents and threats against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Texas; and. HB809 seeks to allow the possession, use, cultivation, distribution, transportation, and delivery of medical cannabis for medical use by patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). License Changes. If passed, HB504 seeks to amend Section 2154.202(g) of the Texas Occupations Code in order to permit fireworks sales to the public beginning June 14 and ending at midnight on June 19 (Juneteenth) in a county in which the commissioners court of the county has approved the sale of fireworks during the period. The bill would also require that these vehicles display a distinctive insignia (issued by the department) on the windshield for validation of that authorization. Under HB1117, once a toll road is paid off, the road would become part of the state highway system and must be maintained by the commission (or shall continue to be maintained by the entity operating the project if certain criteria is not met). The bill, if passed, would also set the legal groundwork for licensing cultivators and dispensaries, manufacturing practices, safety testing, and more. A number of California's new laws for 2021 are efforts to root out systemic . 1:38. AUSTIN - More than 30 new state laws that will affect more than 500,000 Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) licensees will go into effect . From police reform to legalized gambling and alcohol sales to digital license plates, here's a small sampling of the bills filed during Texas' 87th legislative session. The operator of the bicycle or motorcycle must come to a full and complete stop at the intersection, exercise due care as provided law, and may only proceed through the intersection when it is safe to do so. If passed, HB2452 would amend Chapter 2 of Texas Code of Criminal Procedure in order to require each law enforcement agency in the state to adopt a policy prohibiting a peace officer of the agency from making a motor vehicle stop on the shoulder of a controlled access highway.. If the minor or the person entering into the settlement agreement on behalf of the minor is represented by an attorney (and the money payable under the settlement agreement is paid in cash) the payment must be made by direct deposit into the attorneys trust account maintained under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct to be held for the benefit of the minor. HB928 seeks to amend Chapter 436 of Texas Health and Safety Code to create administrative and civil penalties for food service establishments that sell catfishif the product is not, in fact, catfish as defined under the statute. HB3877 seeks to lower the prima facie speed limit of any urban district street in Texas city with a population greater than 950,000 to 25 miles per hour on a street other than an alley, and 15 miles per hour in an alley. The person possesses a product that purports by the products label to contain a consumable hemp product that is authorized under state or federal law; The product contains a controlled substance or marihuana, other than the substances extracted from hemp in the concentrations authorized by law; and. Abbott has just announced a special legislative session to begin on July 8th, 2021). Governor Abbott has already signaled his backing, and the bills are expected to receive bipartisan support when they comes up for vote. If passed, SB680 seeks amend Section 17.46, Business & Commerce Code (deceptive trade practices) in order to define electricity as a necessity, as well as to outlaw the exorbitant or excessive pricing of electricity during a declared disaster. Consent must be given in a manner that indicates the customer understands that they are enrolling in a variable rate plan, and the electric provider shall provide notice that the plan includes variable rates in an easily readable font and type size. HB554 & SB1290 both seek to add a section to the Texas Transportation Code outlining rules for motor vehicles when passing pedestrians or bicycle operators on a roadway. Bring alcoholic beverages onto or possess alcoholic beverages on the businesss premises for the purpose of consumption by the person on the premises. If passed, HB1955 seeks to amend Section 9.51 of Texas Penal Code to state that a peace officer is only justified in using deadly force against another when and to the degree the peace officer reasonably believes the deadly force is immediately necessary to make an arrest (or to prevent escape after arrest) if: HB1757 seeks to add additional rules relating to the recording of a peace officers performance of official duties and interactions with the public. SB1853 seeks to amend Subchapter H, Chapter 151 of Texas Tax Code in order to temporarily exempt personal protective equipment from sales taxes. It would also amend Section 38.15 of Texas Penal Code (interference with public duties) to add an affirmative defense to prosecution if the conduct engaged in by the defendant consisted only of filming, recording, photographing, documenting, or observing a peace officer, if before or while engaging in the conduct, the defendant obeyed any reasonable and lawful order by a peace officer to change the defendants proximity or position., HB1757 also seeks to amend Section 542.501 of Texas Transportation Code (willfully failing or refuse to comply with a lawful order) to state that the law does not apply to an order or direction to cease filming, recording, photographing, documenting, or observing a peace officer while the officer is engaged in the performance of official duties, although this does not prohibit a peace officer from giving the person a reasonable and lawful order or direction to change the persons proximity or position relative to a peace officer who is engaged in the performance of official duties., Lastly, HB1757 would also amend Chapter 2 of Texas Code of Criminal Procedure to state that if during the performance of the peace officers official duties a peace officer makes a video or audio recording of the officers interaction with a person, the peace officer must immediately disclose to the person that the officer is recording the interaction and the method by which the officer is making the recording, except if the peace officers interaction with a person occurs as part of an ongoing criminal investigation or if making the disclosure immediately would be unsafe, unrealistic, or impracticable.. Each of the bills listed above, which were filed in response to the widespread electrical outages experienced during the catastrophic winter storm in February of 2021, seek to ensure that Texas has adequate reserve power to prevent blackout conditions caused by shortages of generated power in the ERCOT power region. Reinstatement fees in Massachusetts range from $100 up to $1,200, holders of a driver's license and $100 up to $1,200 for holders of a junior operators license. Documentation, replacement parts, and tools, including any updates to information or embedded software, for that equipment or replacement part; and. The application shall only be approved if a majority of the voters favor the authorization of casino gaming. For existing electrical customers, a $250 credit may be applied to each retail account. The fee depends on the offense leading to the suspension. HB832, if passed, would require officers to intervene if the use of force by another peace officer violates state or federal law, puts any person at risk of bodily injury (unless necessary to avoid imminent harm to a peace officer or other person), or is not required to apprehend or complete the apprehension of a suspect. These policies must: HB833, if passed, goes a bit further than HB562 by requiring that the commission develop and make available to all law enforcement agencies in this state a model policy and associated training materials regarding the use of force by peace officers. Today, we figured wed highlight some of these new proposed laws and explain exactly what they mean in simple terms. SB 112 simply seeks to change a reasonable suspicion to probable cause to believe (a higher standard). Almost every state holds a legislative session every year, but just four statesTexas, Montana, Nevada and North Dakotameet biennially on odd numbered years. The amount of force exceeds that which is reasonable under the circumstances; and. Currently, under Texas law, a district judge may issue an order for the installation and use of a mobile tracking device if an authorized peace officer submits an affidavit which states the facts and circumstances that provide a reasonable suspicion that criminal activity has been, is, or will be committed; and the installation and use of a mobile tracking device is likely to produce information that is material to an ongoing criminal investigation of that criminal activity. At the time of the arrest, the officer reasonably believes that as a direct result of the accident any individual has died, will die, or has suffered serious bodily injury. The actor is the owner or occupant of the real property over which the unmanned aircraft was operated or the actor received the prior written consent of the owner or occupant of that property; The unmanned aircraft was operated in the course of the actors actual discharge of official duties as a member of the United States armed forces or the state military forces; or. HB1837 & SB2141 both seek to amend Chapter 2 of Texas Code of Criminal Procedure in order address (and prevent) motorcycle profiling by law enforcement officers. Emphasize conflict de-escalation and the use of force in a manner proportionate to the threat posed and to the seriousness of the alleged offense; Mandate that deadly force is only to be used by peace officers as a last resort; and. If passed, HB477 would allow the Texas Lottery Commission to award to applicants not more than nine casino gaming operator licenses as follows: HJR102 & HB2257, if passed, would allow casino gaming operated by appropriately licensed persons at locations in this state that are within 200 miles of the Gulf of Mexico, but with no set limit on the number of licenses awarded (although the legislature may designate the counties in which a casino gaming operators license may be issued). May subject the team to debarment from contracting with this state. SCR9 would designate the City of San Marcos as the official Mermaid Capital of Texas for the next 10 years. Offering, communicating, or suggesting in any manner that a particular repair person or facility will provide faster repair times, faster service, or more efficient claims handling than another repair person or facility. The measure must now be approved by the State Assembly and be signed by Gov. If you were convicted of a DWI, your license can be suspended: For up to 2 years, if you are 21 years old or older. No-Win No-Fee | Free Consultations. Excerpt from the bill: Whereas the outstanding achievements of Z-Ro and Travis Scott have made Missouri City a very bright spot on the map of hip-hops most vibrant communities, bringing increased recognition of the Lone Star States contributions to this popular genre.. Both SB438 & HB1992, if passed, seek to amend Section 151.3565(b) of Texas Tax Code in order to list face masks, disposable gloves, and disinfectant cleaning supplies as emergency preparation items in order to exempt them from sales and use taxes during Texas Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday (which begins at 12:01 a.m. April 25 and ends at midnight April 27). In this context, personal protective equipment means specialized clothing or equipment worn by a person meant to protect against potential infectious contaminants in the environment, or to interfere with the transmission of particles originating from the nose or mouth. HB19 would effectively give trucking companies room to sidestep important safety precautions that demonstrably reduce the likelihood of a preventable crash, and instead shift the blame solely onto their drivers. Please allow 21 business days for processing. Did you know that Texas recognizes Confederate Heroes Day (honoring Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and other Confederate heroes) as an official state holiday? As of 2021, Texas law no longer requires people to have a license to carry (LTC) in order to carry a handgun in most public places. Aug 23, 2010. Emphasize the use of conflict de-escalation techniques; and. Under current Texas law, even possession of less than 1 gram of marijuana concentrates (e.g., edibles, vape pens, etc.) According to HJR102 & HB2257, the money generated from these casinos would go toward providing additional money for property tax relief. Each of the above proposed bills seek to amend Chapter 2 of Texas Code of Criminal Procedure in order to add a policy requiring law enforcement officers in the state to intervene in order to prevent another peace officer from using excessive force. Obtaining professional representation, including representation by an athlete agent or attorney, in relation to contracts or other legal matters. Driver's license suspensions will continue, but under the new law, a person would only have their license suspended if they had three or more traffic tickets in a year, or four within two. HB390 aims to establish a human trafficking awareness and prevention training program for employees of commercial lodging establishments (i.e., hotels, motels, inns, etc). HCR32, if passed, would designate Missouri City, TX as the official Hip-Hop Capital of Texas for the next 10 years. Among other things, the bills (if passed) would allow a court to: If passed, both SB209 & HB1980 seek to outlaw nondisclosure agreements, confidentiality agreements, or other agreements between an employer and employee which prohibit the reporting of sexual assault and sexual harassment to local or state law enforcement agencies or any state or federal regulatory agency. 50 percent of all amounts recovered by the injured individual through a cause of action, judgment, or settlement. In March of 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a waiver which permitted restaurants with a mixed beverage permit to offer beer, wine, and mixed drinks to-go with food purchases. Vehicle registration suspended for driving without insurance. License suspensions undermine public safety. Mailing Address: Texas Department of Public Safety Central Cash Receiving P.O. HB804 seeks to amend this law so that the insurer is only entitled to an offset/credit/deduction if and when they have paid out the full amount of the applicable liability policy limits. HB1517 & HB1518 both seek to amend Chapter 105 of Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code in order to allow hotel bars to extend the hours during which alcoholic beverages may be sold and consumed on premises. The amount of the hospitals charges for services provided to the injured individual during the first 100 days of the injured individuals hospitalization; or. The new laws may affect your current driving record. It would also allow an Indian tribe recognized by the United States government under federal law to operate slot machines or casino gaming on its Indian land within this state, According to the bill, the goal is to impose a tax on the casino gaming revenue (10% of revenue from table games and 25% of revenue from slot machines) in order to foster economic development and job growth and to provide tax relief and funding for education and public safety programs.. If passed, HB1590 seeks to amend several sections of Texas Family Code in order to completely remove this exception. Each of the three bills listed above seek to amend several sections of Texas Government Code (as well as the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Family Code, Estates Code, Health and Safety Code, and Code of Criminal Procedure) in order to permit or require the attendance of a court hearing or proceeding remotely through the use of technology and the Internet.. While similar to HB1001 and SB327 (which would allow PTSD patients to be prescribed low-THC cannabis), HB1109 seeks to allow veterans with PTSD to apply for a permit in order to purchase medical marijuana from a cultivating or dispensing facility in Texas. HB2067 also states that Confederate Heroes Day, which currently falls on the same date, would be removed from the list of official state holidays. This constitutional amendment would also authorize the legislature to enact a law based on the results of the referendum. Championed by the California Self Storage Association (CSSA) with . Starting Oct. 1 . The arrest precedes a planned Saturday rally by the 70,000-member Facebook group "Michigan Needs and Adjustment." If passed, HB2540 seeks to amend Section 547.605(c) of Texas Transportation Code to state that the owner or operator of a passenger car or light truck manufactured after 1967 may not modify the exhaust system (or a part of the system) in a manner that the owner or operator knows or should know will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the motor of the vehicle above that emitted by the muffler originally installed on the vehicle.. Although spending $666 on average per year may seem like a lot, you will likely spend twice that amount in fines if you skip insurance altogether. Each of the bills listed above seek to change this by amending Chapter 372 of the Texas Transportation Code. The training program must be approved by the attorney general, and will include guidance on how to recognize and report human trafficking, how to report suspected human trafficking, and more. The bill states that A peace officer may not intentionally use a choke hold, carotid artery hold, or similar neck restraint in searching or arresting a person unless the restraint is necessary to prevent serious bodily injury to or the death of the officer or another person.. The force used is proportionate to the threat posed and to the seriousness of the alleged offense; The force used does not present a serious risk of injury to any person other than the actor or the person against whom the force is used; and. If the child was under seven (7) years old and died as a result of said injury, the offense is elevated to a third degree felony. Suspensions & Reinstatements. If passed, HB3325 & SB1945 both seek to amend several sections of Texas Transportation Code (as well as portions of Texas Business & Commerce Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, Penal Code, Education Code, Family Code, Government Code, Insurance Code, and Occupations Code) in order to replace the word accident (when used to describe a motor vehicle collision) with the word crash..