Today, a statewide texting-while-driving ban that creates a misdemeanor offense for the operator of a motor vehicle who uses a portable wireless communication device to read, write, or send an electronic message while operating the vehicle, unless the vehicle is stopped. First-time violators could be fined up to $99 or $200 for a repeat offense. #drivesafely
Here’s a handful of other laws taking effect today:
Here’s a handful of other laws taking effect today:
- New school buses must have shoulder-to-lap seat belts for all riders (SB 693)
- When Texans get or renew their driver’s licenses, they will have the option to donate $1 or more to fund the testing of thousands of backlogged rape kits. (HB 1729)
- Fees to obtain handgun licenses have dropped from $140 to $40. (SB 16)
- Financial institutions now have more power to stop transactions they suspect are aimed at defrauding elderly or disabled clients. (HB 3921)
- It is now legal for Texans to carry more kinds of knives in public. (HB 1935)
- With the help of a measure dubbed David’s Law, school officials hope they will have more tools at their disposal to fight cyberbullying. (SB 179)
- Under a newly created loophole in state law, school employees can give leftover food to hungry students. (SB 725)
