In Brief: New Texas Laws from the 88th Legislative Session Go into Effect Today
The 88th legislative session has been marked by passionate debates and a fiery flurry of bills aimed at shaping the future of Texas. Several significant laws take effect today, bringing change and reform to various aspects of life in Texas. With a diverse array of topics addressed, from education to public safety, Texas is positioned to undergo notable transformations starting today.
Texas lawmakers passed several bills aimed at modernizing many of the statewide systems. Some notable changes are the expansion of virtual student learning options, school safety, tax reform, and public health transparency. The new laws will bring cohesive policy direction and rules for agencies to navigate and implement.
Over 700 bills become law today, and you can review all of them via the link that is provided at the conclusion of this article. However, if you want a quick snapshot of a variety of bills, you can parse through the list I’ve collected of 13 bills that become law that you might not see any news coverage on.
In Brief: New Laws in Texas as of Today, September 1st, 2023:
- General Appropriations Act, HB 1 — $321.3 billion State Budget.
- HB 3 — Relating to measures for ensuring public school safety, including the development and implementation of purchases relating to and funding for public school safety and security requirements and the provision of safety-related resources.
- HB 6 — Relating to the designation of fentanyl poisoning or fentanyl toxicity for purposes of the death certificate and to the criminal penalties for certain controlled substance offenses; increasing a criminal penalty.
- HB 490 — Relating to itemized billing for health care services and supplies provided by health care providers.
- HB 3144 — Relating to designating October as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month.
- HB 3453 — Relating to authorizing certain counties to impose a hotel occupancy tax and the applicability and rates of that tax in certain counties.
- HB 5012 — Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to use certain tax revenue for hotel and convention center projects and other qualified projects.
- SB 1379 — Relating to a pilot program to increase the financial independence of foster youth who are transitioning to independent living.
- HB 420 — Relating to the offense of providing an alcoholic beverage to a minor; increasing a criminal penalty.
- HB 4520 — Relating to employment and retirement consequences for an educator convicted of or placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for the sale, distribution, or display of harmful material to a minor.
- SB 1716 — Relating to term limits for certain contracts regarding airports and associated air navigation facilities operated by or on behalf of a local government.
- HB 1859 — Relating to benefits and services for veterans and certain other related benefits.
- SB 1933 — Relating to certain oversight procedures of the state over county elections.
The 88th legislative session has ushered in reforms touching various aspects of life in the Lone Star State, from education to criminal justice, healthcare, gun control, and energy policies. These laws, born out of months of deliberation and negotiation, reflect the state’s evolving priorities and its commitment to a strong vision. These changes, while not without controversy, reflect the evolving needs and aspirations of a diverse and dynamic population that The Lone Star State attracts, supports, and cultivates. Only time will tell how these laws will shape the future of the state, but one thing is clear: the Lone Star State is making swift changes to accommodate the ever-altering demands, interests, and future visions of the constituency.
Over time each law’s impact will take on a life of its own, but the vision of Texans is a collective result that stands to face its future with renewed vigor and adaptability.
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