High schoolers, new drivers and police will all need to receive training on police interactions under a new law — but not until next fall.
85th Legislative Session
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Now on the Books
New law seeks to prevent surprise medical bills from freestanding ERs
A new law requires Texas’ freestanding emergency rooms to more clearly communicate what health insurance networks they’re in, if any.
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Criminal Justice
Report: Indicted state Rep. Dawnna Dukes spent $51k on online psychic
State Rep. Dawnna Dukes failed to turn over a cell phone to investigators and spent more than $51,000 on an online psychic, the Austin American-Statesman reported Wednesday.
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Now on the Books
How some see Texas as the “gold standard” against wrongful convictions
This year, Texas legislators continued efforts to prevent wrongful convictions by passing a law focused on fixing unreliable jailhouse informants, unfair police station lineups and coerced confessions.
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Now on the Books
New law aims to help elderly Texans fooled by scammers
A new Texas law gives financial institutions greater authority to stop transactions that they suspect are aimed at defrauding elderly or disabled clients.
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Now on the Books
Anti-cyberbullying activists wanted a Texas law with “teeth.” They may have gotten one.
Lawmakers and advocates say “David’s Law,” which Gov. Greg Abbott signed in June, will allow school districts and prosecutors to fight cyberbullying on multiple fronts.
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Now on the Books
New law means extra costs for large craft brewers — unless they’re owned by brewing giants
House Bill 3287 requires craft brewers that produce more than 225,000 barrels a year to pay a distributor to deliver their beer — even if the destination is inside their own facility.
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Now on the Books
Now you can carry any knife (almost) anywhere in Texas
A new state law eliminates the category of “illegal knives,” effectively expanding knife owners’ freedom to carry blades almost anywhere in the state.
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Now on the Books
New school buses to have seat belts under Texas law
Newly purchased school buses in Texas must have three-point seat belts for all riders under a new state law.
Posted inState Government
New law allows hunting hogs from hot air balloons, but few balloonists will offer it
Despite a new law allowing hunters to shoot feral hogs and coyotes from hot air balloons, many balloonists – citing logistical challenges – say they will not offer the activity.