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A Roundup of New Texas Laws That are Now in Effect

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Effective September 1, 2019, a new set of laws were enacted in Texas which were given approval during this year’s legislative session. Here’s a summary of a few that have changed:

Delivery of Alcohol

The delivery of alcohol in conjunction with food to either a home or another location aside from the licensee’s address is now permitted under SB 1232, which allows bars, restaurants, or other such businesses with a mixed beverage permit to do so.

Unsolicited Nude Pictures

Those who regular DM or text unsolicited nude pictures can now be charged with a class C misdemeanor as a result of HB 2789, which makes it illegal to send nude photos to someone who hasn’t asked for them. This includes via dating apps, emails, and any other medium.

A Roundup of New Texas Laws That are Now in Effect

Photo: Pexels

Minimum Age for the Sale of Tobacco

The laws that govern the sale of tobacco have changed. The minimum age to purchase cigarettes in Texas has been bumped to 21 by SB 21.

Brass Knuckles

It’s now legal to carry brass knuckles since HB 446 removed them from the list of prohibited weapons.

Sexual Assault

The definition of sexual assault in Texas has been broadened under SB 1259. Should a health care provider use “human reproductive material from a donor knowing that the other person had not expressly consented to the use of material from that donor,” this will now be considered sexual assault in the State of Texas.

Sexual Assault Kit Testing

HB 8 has established a time frame for the submission and testing of newly collected sexual assault kits. Kits are to be collected from medical facilities by law enforcement representatives within a seven to 14-day time period. Kits are also required to be tested by crime labs within 90 days of their receipt. Rape kits which are related to unsolved cases are prohibited from being destroyed for the period of 40 years or until the expiration of the statute of limitations.

A Roundup of New Texas Laws That are Now in Effect

Photo: Pixabay

Late-Fees for Rent

The Texas Property Code has been amended by SB 1414 specific to late-fees for the payment of rent, prohibiting the collection of such until any part of the rent has been unpaid for two full days following its due date. The late fee charge can be anything under 12 percent of the rent specified for that time period.

Hunting of Feral Hogs

According to SB 317, landowners no longer need a hunting license for feral hogs that gain access to their personal property. If hunting feral hogs without consent, however, it’s still considered a crime to do so without a license. Allowing access for hunting feral hogs in exchange for money or other gifts will still require a hunting lease license.

Porch Pirates

The laws regarding mail theft have changed. It’s now a felony to steal anything which is considered mail (that includes packages, letters, postcards, and other items that are sealed). If you steal from less than 10 people it’s considered a state felony. It goes up to a second-degree felony for stealing from 20-50 people. And it’s a first-degree felony for stealing from over 50 people.

Hazing

The definition of hazing has been rewritten by SB 38, including criminal and civil immunity for those who voluntarily report a specific incident. In addition, institutions of higher learning will be required to report hazing to its students, including the issuing of hazing reports at a minimum of 14 days prior to the start of each semester. The reports are also to include when a hazing incident occurred, when an investigation began, a full description of the hazing and any violations, the determination of school investigations, as well as the final sanction.

A Roundup of New Texas Laws That are Now in Effect

Photo: Pixabay

Postpartum Depression

A five-year strategic plan is required for improved access to postpartum depression screenings and referrals, treatment and supports according to HB 253.

Cough Syrup

Due to Texas youth abusing cough syrup for the purpose of getting high, the laws regarding its purchase have been changed. You must be at least 18 years of age to purchase cough syrup with the active ingredient of dextromethorphan, according to HB 1518.