New Texas Laws: STAR Test, Quorum Fines, and Bathroom Bill Explained

Education Reform: House Bill 8

• 📚 House Bill 8 will phase out the current STAR test for students.
• 📝 Starting next school year, students will instead take three shorter assessments administered in the fall, winter, and spring.

Legislative Accountability: House Bill 18

• ⚖️ House Bill 18 introduces stricter penalties for lawmakers who break quorum.
• 💸 These penalties include steeper fines, limitations on state funds, and the potential loss of seniority or committee assignments.
• 🚶 This legislation follows a recent walkout by Texas House Democrats aimed at blocking a GOP congressional redistricting map.

Senate Bill 8: The Bathroom Bill

• 🚻 Senate Bill 8, often referred to as the bathroom bill, mandates that individuals use restrooms and changing facilities based on the gender listed on their birth certificate.
• 🏫 This applies to public buildings, including schools and jails.
• 🗣️ Supporters claim the law protects privacy, while opponents argue it discriminates against transgender Texans.
• ⚠️ Violators could face fines up to $125,000, though enforcement details remain unclear.

Upcoming Legislation

• 🗓️ In the coming year, a total of 31 new laws are set to go into effect across Texas.