TEXAS NEW LAW TUESDAY
September 1 marks the start of over 500 new laws in Texas that will affect your life. Every September following a Texas Legislative Session, hundreds of new laws hit the books and take effect, while numerous more won’t take effect until January 1. The 84th Texas Legislature was busy in Austin earlier this year and now it’s time for Texans to see the results. Many of the laws are subtle changes that you may not even take notice of, but other are more dramatic and will cause you to stop and take notice. Here are just a few highlights of changes to Texas law.
TRUANCY
House Bill 2398 has decriminalized truancy in Texas. Now if your little one skips school or you fail to take them, the penalty is no longer a possible criminal jail sentence, but is now just a civil fine. Good news for some.
IDENTIFICATION LAWS
House Bill 2739 will now recognize concealed handgun licenses (CHL) in Texas as a form of identification. Texans with a CHL can now use their license as a form of valid ID.
OPEN CARRY HANDGUNS
The new open carry law does not go into effect until January 1, but many Texans are overjoyed at the idea. The law allows licensed Texans to openly carry a handgun that is holstered in either a shoulder strap or a waist holster. So come January 1, expect to see some gun-toting grandmas at your local grocery store.
REVENGE PORN
Senate Bill 1135 now prohibits the posting of sexually explicit photos and videos of an ex following a break-up. The law also affects the websites that host this revenge porn material. Anyone who participates in the revenge porn industry faces a Class A misdemeanor that carries a possible penalty of up to 1 year in jail and up to a $4000 fine.
FAMILY VIOLENCE RESTITUTION
House Bill 2159 takes effect on September 1, 2015 and will require restitution payments as a condition of community supervision (probation) for offenses involving family violence when committed in the presence of a child under the age of 15. This law will require the trial court to make a finding regarding the existence of a child witness. The court will then order restitution from the defendant for the medical bills, psychiatric bills and psychological counseling or care for the child. If restitution is ordered it can be enforced civilly.
CANINE TRAINING
House Bill 593 will require all law enforcement officers to undergo canine training. This law passed in response to too many dog deaths at the hands of officers and will train officers how to de-escalate encounters with canines. These officers will receive training on how to split-second decisions on how to protect themselves and other citizens all the while protecting canines as well.
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