In Texas, fireworks are only permitted to be sold to the public during certain periods of the year (i.e., between June 24 through July 4; December 20 through January 1; May 1 through May 5). For existing electrical customers, a $250 credit may be applied to each retail account. In order to provide funding for this, the bill would appropriate state aid (from the economic stabilization fund) to school districts in an amount equal to the product of $4,000 multiplied by the number of classroom teachers, full-time librarians, full-time school counselors, and full-time school nurses employed by the districtbut only if the bill is approved by a 2/3 vote. HB2728 seeks to amend Subchapter C, Chapter 662 of Texas Government Code (recognition days) to declare January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in order to commemorate the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and to honor the millions of victims of the Holocaust. Texas Compassionate Use Act currently allows physicians in Texas to prescribe low-THC cannabis to patients suffering from epilepsy, a seizure disorder, multiple sclerosis, spasticity, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, autism, terminal cancer, or an incurable neurodegenerative disease. Normally in a motor vehicle accident, if a passenger files a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claim against the owner/operator of a vehicle they were riding in, the insurance company is entitled to an offset/credit/deduction equal to the amount they paid out. If approved, this holiday would fall on the 28th day of June. HB1518, if passed, goes a bit further by allowing a hotel bar to sell or offer for sale alcoholic beverages at any time to a registered guest of the hotel.. HB1404 seeks to amend Chapters 711 and 716 of Texas Health and Safety Code,as well as Section 651 of the Texas Occupations Code in order to permit the use of alkaline hydrolysis cremation (AKA bio-cremation, resomation, aquamation, green cremation, flameless cremation, or water cremation) with regard to human remains. The bill, if passed, would also set the legal groundwork for licensing cultivators and dispensaries, manufacturing practices, safety testing, and more. HB3990 seeks to address non-signaled intersections in the state which commonly lead to right-angle (T-bone) crashes. 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.. The most versatile suppressor in the Banish line, the Banish 30 works with all of your rifle calibers from .17 to .30 caliber magnums. ALR Program. HB3141 seeks to require those who sell or resell tickets for a concert or other event in this state (including the operator of a ticket website) to disclose all fees charged in connection with the sale of a ticket for the event. If passed, the State of Texas (and each member state) shall conduct a statewide popular election for President and Vice President of the United States. While these bills are similar to each other in many ways, there are key differences between each of themincluding how the tax proceeds would be allocated. See our Carry of Firearms page for more info on this new law. Restrict motorized scooter usage to bicycle lanes, if and when available. 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. For SB950 & SB1626, this policy would state that law enforcement agencies shall adopt a written policy regarding the issuance of citations for all misdemeanor offenses, other than assaultive offenses and public intoxication. If passed, this temporary exemption would expire on January 1, 2022. Documentation, replacement parts, and tools, including any updates to information or embedded software, for that equipment or replacement part; and. 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. In 2017, Colten Carney was struck and killed by a motorist while walking to work in Royse City, Texas. HB502, HB1199 & HB1274 all seek to allow motor vehicle owners in Texas to display a license plate only on the rear of a motor vehicle. The new law will end license suspensions due to non-payment of traffic fines, while making affordable payment plans available (at 2% of a person's monthly income or $25/month, whichever is greater). If passed, both HCR35 & SCR21 seek to designate March 10 as Histotechnology Professionals Day for a period of ten (10) years in order to provide an opportunity to educate the public about the field of histotechnology and to give recognition to the vital contributions of histologists.. If passed, HB1178 seeks to amend the heading to Section 481.125 of Texas Health and Safety Code in order to remove all criminal penalties for the possession of drug paraphernalia under the Texas Controlled Substances Act (possession of drug paraphernalia is currently a Class C misdemeanor). Starting Oct. 1 . For more information on the current license structure, fees and more, visit the following pages and resources: Copyright 2023 Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Affirm the sanctity of human life and the importance of treating all persons with dignity and respect. Similarly, HB2481 seeks to require each provider of generation in the ERCOT power region to implement measures to prepare generation facilities to provide adequate electric generation service during a winter weather emergency. Length: 7" or 9". In a clear knee-jerk reaction to the revelation that Mark Cuban decided not to have the national anthem played prior to the first 11 Dallas Mavericks regular season home games this season (a decision which has already been reversed), Lt. Gov. Practicing With Suspended License Brings Disbarment for Texas Attorney The State Bar of Texas attorney discipline list for June includes 22 sanctions meted out against 21 Texas attorneys.. Similar to HB36 and HB219 (above), SB128 also seeks to remove Confederate Heroes Day from the list of official state holidays. Citizenship or, if you are not a U.S. Citizen, evidence of lawful presence Texas Residency Identity, and Social Security Number HB215, if passed, seeks to amend several sections of Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Government Code in order to effectively abolish the death penalty in Texas. Each of the Joint Resolutions listed above propose an amendment to the Texas constitution authorizing the legislature to legalize wagering on professional and collegiate sporting events in the State of Texas. Prepare and submit periodic reports that evaluate systemic issues affecting law enforcement agencies in this state to the governor, the lieutenant governor, and each member of the legislature. 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. Texas current Move Over / Slow Down law states that motorists who are approaching a stationary emergency vehicle, tow truck, or highway maintenance/construction vehicle must vacate the lane closest to the vehicle if the road has two or more lanes, or to slow down to 20 mph less than the posted speed limit. Reinstating Your License. 50 percent of all amounts recovered by the injured individual through a cause of action, judgment, or settlement. HB3335, if passed, also seeks to amend amend Section 17.46, Business & Commerce Code to include selling electricity at prices at least 200% higher than the market average price for the four quarters immediately preceding a declared disaster as a false, misleading, or deceptive act or practice., SB2075 seeks to amend amend Section 17.46, Business & Commerce Code to include selling electricity at prices at least 300% higher than the average price for the month immediately preceding a declared disaster as a false, misleading, or deceptive act or practice., If passed, each of the above-proposed bills seek to amend Section 39.151 of Texas Utilities Code to ensure that each member of the governing body of the independent organization certified to manage the ERCOT power region (including the CEO) must be a resident of Texas. If passed, HB3056 would amend Subchapter A, Chapter 711 of Texas Health and Safety Code to add a section entitled Prohibiting Billboards on Cemetery Property. It would state that a person may not erect or maintain a billboard on cemetery property, and that a cemetery organization may not enter into a contract or lease authorizing a billboard on cemetery property. In accordance with these rules, an independent organization certified under Section 39.151 for the ERCOT power region shall adopt procedures and enter contracts as necessary to ensure the availability of a defined amount of emergency reserve power generation capacity the organization may call on to prevent blackouts caused by shortages of generated power. Both HB99 and HB441 also seek to amend Article 14.06 of Texas Code of Criminal Procedure to state that an officer who is charging a person only with a Class C/B misdemeanor for possession of marijuana may not arrest the person, and shall issue the person a citation instead. Under current Texas law, even possession of less than 1 gram of marijuana concentrates (e.g., edibles, vape pens, etc.) BothHB393 & SB592 seek to amend Chapter 47 of the Texas Penal Code to expand upon exceptions to the definition of a gambling bet for purposes of criminal offenses. Both HB94 and SB90 seek to allow the use of medical marijuana for patients with debilitating medical conditions, while SB250 seeks to allow the use of medical marijuana for patients for whom a physician determines medical use is the best available treatment.. Now passed, this law will take effect on 09/01/2021, but will not affect the enforceability of any provision in an insurance policy delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed before 01/01/2022. The officer reasonably believes it is immediately necessary to protect the officer or another person from the use of unlawful deadly force by the driver of the vehicle; and. If passed, SB1012 & HB3138 both seek to require electric providers to obtain a residential customers express consent before enrolling them in a variable rate energy plan. 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.. If passed, HB1250 seeks to amend Section 662.003(b) of the Texas Government Code to add Selena Quintanilla Prez Day in memory of the contributions to Tejano music of Selena Quintanilla Prez, an award-winning singer and recording artist. Of course this years legislative session wouldnt be complete without a bill proposing the idea of Texas seceding from the United States of America. Let's take a look at some of the more-interesting ones. Consume alcoholic beverages on the businesss premises; or. If passed, SJR12 & HJR69 seek to amend Article VI of the Texas Constitution to allow a person who will be 18 years of age or older on the date of the subsequent general election to vote in a primary election. Michigan will no longer suspend driver's licenses for issues unrelated to driving safety, such as missed court appointments and unpaid fees. Lets take a look at some of the more-interesting ones. HB170 & SB1067 both seek to adds language to Section 105.06 of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code to further define a public place in this context. The reform would also reinstate the licenses of people who currently have a suspended license due to non-payment of traffic fines. Suspended License Driving with a suspended license is a misdemeanor in Texas. According to the text of the bill, a person who knows that a child has suffered a serious bodily injury caused by abuse or neglect shall immediately make a report to law enforcement and/or the appropriate licensing agency. Possession of more than two (2) grams and less than two (2) ounces of marijuana would still be a Class B misdemeanor. An employee who is involved in an alleged incident. Nine new 2021 California laws that will affect you. While the existing law still permits motorists to read, write, and sending electronic messages while their vehicle is stopped, SB42 also clarifies this section by adding stopped outside a lane of travel.. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation . The bills further state that officers who violate this law may face civil actions (lawsuits) brought by the defendant in order to recover damages arising from said profiling (including attorneys fees and litigation costs), as well as injunctions against future violations of this law. If an organization applies for a license to operate a casino, a local option election shall be held in the county. Among other things, if passed, the amendment would allow up to four (4) casinos to operate at destination resorts located in metropolitan areas of the state with a population of two million or more (i.e., Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas-Fort Worth), provided that no more than one (1) casino is located within any one metropolitan area. Sarah Hoffman, 37, of Dallas, was disciplined in three separate cases. The fee depends on the offense leading to the suspension. 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.. 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. SJR36 proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the operation of up to twelve (12) casinos in Texas counties that have approved casino gaming. These policies must: Both HB562 and HB833 seek to amend Chapter 2 of Texas Code of Criminal Procedure to add a section titled Law Enforcement Policy on De-escalation and Proportionate Response.. Currently, Texas law leaves it up to the individual law enforcement officer to decided whether or not to conduct a blood alcohol test on a motorist when they hit a pedestrian. Tela Mange . 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. She received a two-year partially probated suspension, effective Feb. 15, in connection with a case where she accepted $1,200 . The only way to compel an insurance company to reveal their drivers policy limits is by filing an actual lawsuit. 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. Texas blue laws currently state that alcohol retailers may not sell wine or vinous liquor containing more than 17 percent alcohol by volume on Sundays. HB1071 seeks to allow any party to an action filed in a court in this state to petition the court to authorize a qualified facility dog or qualified therapy animal to be present with a witness who is testifying before the court. 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. If passed, HB501 would effectively raise the caps on noneconomic damages from $250,000 to upwards of $350,000. 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. HB1943 seeks to go a bit further by stating that a peace officer may not, while performing an official duty, discharge a firearm at or in the direction of a moving vehicle occupied solely by the driver unless: If the vehicle has one or more passengers, an officer may only discharge a firearm in the direction of the vehicle if and when: HB1943 also states that an offense under this bill would be a felony of the third degree. The report will be due not later than March 1 of each even-numbered year, and must include a description of the means and strategies for meeting the agencys needs and managing the risks associated with the projected changes in weather, water availability, and climate variabilityincluding the identification of any financial resources that will be needed to carry out those means and strategies. No-Win No-Fee | Free Consultations. The bill also states that officers have a duty to intervene to stop or prevent another peace officer from using force against a person suspected of committing an offense if: Finally, a peace officer who witnesses the use of excessive force by another peace officer must also promptly make a detailed report of the incident and deliver the report to their supervisor. Make it a third-degree felony to intentionally or knowingly deactivate, order the deactivation of, or cause to be deactivated a recording device being used during an investigation. The 87th Texas Legislature began on Jan. 12, 2021 and officially concluded on May 31st, 2021 (although Gov. 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..