New Texas Laws Effective December and January: What You Need to Know

December Laws Taking Effect

• ⚖️ House Bill 7 allows private citizens to sue over the manufacture or distribution of abortion-inducing drugs in Texas, though individuals taking the medication are exempt.
• 📚 House Bill 8 will replace the current STAR test with three shorter exams administered throughout the school year, beginning next academic year.
• 💊 House Bill 25 permits the over-the-counter purchase of ivermectin, a livestock parasite drug that saw increased use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 🚻 Senate Bill 8 (second special session) restricts transgender individuals to using public restrooms corresponding to their sex assigned at birth in government buildings, schools, and jails.

January Laws Taking Effect

• 💰 House Bill 9 exempts up to $125,000 of business inventory from local taxes, a significant increase from the current $2,500 exemption.
• 🛂 Senate Bill 8 (regular session) mandates sheriffs in counties with jails to cooperate with ICE and perform certain immigration enforcement duties.
• 🏠 Senate Bill 38 aims to expedite the eviction process for individuals occupying properties without permission (squatters).

Ongoing Impact and Monitoring

• 📈 These new laws will be observed as they are implemented, with attention paid to their practical effects on communities, families, schools, and law enforcement.
• ⚠️ Potential challenges and changes arising from these laws will be tracked.