Each of the bills listed above seek to change this by amending Chapter 372 of the Texas Transportation Code. Similar to SJR13 (above), SJR30 and HJR78 both propose a constitutional amendment which would authorize a statewide referendum allowing voters to indicate a preference for observing standard time year-round or observing daylight saving time year-round (rather than switching back and forth). If, during any 12-month period, TxDOT receives 10 or more of these reports for a single intersection, they shall perform a traffic study of that location and take actions determined reasonable and necessary to improve safety at the location. Element JWID is undefined in URL. Intimidating, coercing, or threatening a beneficiary or claimant to induce them to use a particular repair person or facility. Two years later, the district attorneys office presented evidence to a grand jury asking that they charge the accused driver with criminally negligent homicide. If passed, HB1198 seeks to amend Section 662.003(b) of the Texas Government Code to add Sam Houston Day, in honor of one of this states greatest heroes. If approved, this holiday would fall on the 26th day of July. Hospitals often place liens on claims where a victim receives medical services for injuries caused by an accident thats attributed to the negligence of another person. The bill also states that it is an affirmative defense to prosecution if: If approved, this act will take effect on 09/01/2021. These signs read Please Dont Drink and Drive followed by In Memory Of and the name(s) of the victim(s). is an automatic felony charge. The program would collect captured plate data, and permit peace officers to issue citations for failing to maintain financial responsibility. One license in each of the counties of Galveston, Jefferson, and Nueces; Three licenses in Bexar and Harris Counties; Consulting with infectious disease experts; Preventing and minimizing injury and damage caused by a pandemic; A prompt and effective response to a pandemic; Identifying areas and populations particularly vulnerable to the occurrence of a pandemic; Communicating with governmental and private entities to facilitate coordination and collaboration for the efficient and effective planning and execution of a pandemic response plan; Organizing federal, state, and local pandemic response activities; Earning compensation for the use of the student athletes name, image, or likeness when the student athlete is not engaged in official team activities; or. Lets take a look at some of the more-interesting ones. Since mid-August, all 11 of the Planned . While the existing law still permits motorists to read, write, and sending electronic messages while their vehicle is stopped, SB42 also clarifies this section by adding stopped outside a lane of travel.. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation . While many people dont know this, digital license plates are already allowed under Texas lawjust not for passenger vehicles. The parent(s) of a child who is involved in an alleged incident. Carneys body was tested for the presence of drugs and alcohol, but the motorist involved in the accident was not. No government shall prohibit or encumber the ownership or holding of any form or amount of money or other currency.. Should college student-athletes be paid? Many cities in Texas currently have hands-free ordinances on the books, but if passed, HB86 would effectively make these local laws unenforceable. If voters decide to observe standard time year round, this would go into effect beginning 01/01/2022. The majority of motor vehicle collisions are caused by acts of negligence. If passed, HB1757 would amend Section 37.09 of Texas Penal Code in order to make it a criminal offense for a peace officer (or another employee of a law enforcement agency) to alter, destroy, or conceal another persons audio, visual, or photographic recording of a peace officers performance of official duties without obtaining that other persons written consent. If passed, HB1490 seeks to amend Chapter 311, Subchapter A of Texas Health and Safety Code to state that hospitals in Texas shall disclose the hospitals cash price for each health care service regularly provided by the hospital. This disclosure must be made by posting the prices on the hospitals website (or in writing on request if the hospital does not have a website). SB1440, on the other hand, seeks to allow physicians in the state to prescribe low-THC cannabis to veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Texas House Bill 1287 (HB 1287) Introduced 01/22/2021 (, Texas House Bill 1674 (HB 1674) Introduced 02/08/2021 (, Texas House Bill 2081 (HB 2081) Introduced 02/23/2021 (, Texas Senate Bill 2106 (SB 2106) Introduced 03/12/2021 (, Texas Senate Bill 17 (SB 17) Introduced 03/11/2021 (, Texas Senate Bill 316 (SB 316) Introduced 01/11/2021 (, Texas House Bill 983 (HB 983) Introduced 01/06/2021 (, Texas House Bill 1102 (HB 1102) Introduced 01/14/2021 (, Texas Senate Bill 298 (SB 298) Introduced 01/07/2021 (, Texas House Bill 1779 (HB 1779) Introduced 02/10/2021 (, Texas House Bill 2662 (HB 2662) Introduced 03/03/2021 (, Texas House Bill 1517 (HB 1517) Introduced 02/02/2021 (, Texas Senate Bill 223 (SB 223) Introduced 11/09/2020 (, Texas Senate Bill 380 (SB 380) Introduced 01/21/2021 (, Texas House Bill 418 (HB 418) Introduced 11/09/2020 (, Texas House Bill 268 (HB 268) Introduced 11/09/2020 (, Texas House Bill 831 (HB 831) Introduced 12/15/2020 (, Texas House Bill 1784 (HB 1784) Introduced 02/10 /2021 (, Texas House Bill 356 (HB 356) Introduced 11/09/2020 (, House Concurrent Resolution 35 (HCR 35) Introduced 02/05/2021 (, Texas Senate Bill 421 (SB 421) Introduced 01/25/2021 (, Texas House Bill 1710 (HB 1710) Introduced 02/09/2021 (, Texas Senate Bill 660 (SB 660) Introduced 02/11/2021 (, Texas House Bill 1891 (HB 1891) Introduced 02/12/2021 (, House Concurrent Resolution 15 (HCR 15) Introduced 12/30/2020 (, House Concurrent Resolution 13 (HCR 13) Introduced 12/07/2020 (, Section 724.012 of the Texas Transportation Code, Subchapter I, Chapter 545 of Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 2 of Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Section 551.352 of the Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 601 of the Texas Transportation Code, Section 504.010 of the Texas Transportation Code, Section 504.002 of the Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 372 of the Texas Transportation Code, Section 201.909 of the Texas Transportation Code, Section 547.605(c) of Texas Transportation Code, Section 544.007 of Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 72 of Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Section 601.072(a-1)(3) of the Texas Transportation Code, Section 41.0105 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Subchapter C, Chapter 1952 of Texas Insurance Code, Chapter 2151 of the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 341 of Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 28 of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, Chapter 105 of Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, Section 24.07 of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, Section 105.04 of Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, Section 105.06 of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, Section 11.179 of the Texas Education Code, Chapter 487 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 481of Texas Health and Safety Code, Section 481.111 of Texas Health and Safety Code, Section 169.003 of the Texas Occupations Code, Section 481.121 of Texas Health and Safety Code, Article 14.06 of Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Section 481.125 of Texas Health and Safety Code, Section 481.111 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, Subchapter E, Chapter 9 of the Texas Penal Code, Section 542.501 of Texas Transportation Code, first tier coastal or second tier coastal counties, Subchapter C, Chapter 662 of Texas Government Code (recognition days), Section 662.003(b) of the Texas Government Code, Section 2154.202(g) of the Texas Occupations Code, Subchapter C, Chapter 418 of the Texas Government Code, Article I of the Texas Constitution (bill of rights), Subchapter Z, Chapter 51 of the Texas Education Code, Subchapter D, Chapter 38 of Texas Utilities Code, Section 312.016 of Texas Government Code, Chapter 311, Subchapter A of Texas Health and Safety Code, Subchapter A, Chapter 711 of Texas Health and Safety Code, Section 43.357 of Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, Section 651 of the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 436 of Texas Health and Safety Code. HB1199 & HB1274, if passed, would also amend Section 504.010 of the Texas Transportation Code to state that a person is entitled to operate on a public highway a passenger car or light truck that displays only one license plate if the plate is attached at the rear of the vehicle, and that the department shall issue only one license plate for attachment at the rear of a passenger car or light truck for which the plate is issued.. On the other hand, HB255 seeks to raise the minimum wage annually based on the consumer price index (called an adjusted minimum wage). If passed, HB1590 seeks to amend several sections of Texas Family Code in order to completely remove this exception. The attorneys at Chambers Law Office have been helping clients with a suspended driver's license reinstate their driving privileges for nearly a decade, and now changes in Indiana law are making it easier for clients to get valid. The bill states that teachers must be paid a monthly salary of at least $7,000, increased by $50 for every prior year of experience (i.e., a teacher with 10 years of experience would have a base monthly salary of at least $7,500, and a teacher with 20+ years of experience would have a base monthly salary of $8,000). Prepare and submit periodic reports that evaluate systemic issues affecting law enforcement agencies in this state to the governor, the lieutenant governor, and each member of the legislature. Limit motorized scooters to one rider at a time. Interestingly though, if voters decide to observe daylight saving time year-round instead, it would only go into effect if the United States Congress enacts legislation that becomes law that authorizes the State of Texas to observe daylight saving time year-round.. New laws affecting TDLR licensees take effect September 1 . The person entering into the settlement agreement on behalf of the minor must complete an affidavit or verified statement that attests that to the best of the persons knowledge, the minor will be fully compensated by the settlement, or that there is no practical way to obtain additional amounts from the party entering into the settlement agreement with the minor. Suspended License Driving with a suspended license is a misdemeanor in Texas. HB1518, if passed, goes a bit further by allowing a hotel bar to sell or offer for sale alcoholic beverages at any time to a registered guest of the hotel.. The training program must be approved by the attorney general, and will include guidance on how to recognize and report human trafficking, how to report suspected human trafficking, and more. If such a local option election does legalize the sale of liquor on Sundays, holders of package store permits in said area may sell, offer for sale, or deliver liquor on Sunday between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Holders of wholesalers permits may sell, offer for sale, or deliver liquor to a retailer anytime on Sunday, and holders of local distributors permits may sell, offer for sale, or deliver liquor to a retailer on Sunday between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Texas blue laws currently state that alcohol retailers may not sell beer or wine for off-premise consumption on Sundays between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and noon. Review complaints received by the office regarding the use of force by peace officers of law enforcement agencies, conduct investigations, and (when necessary) request the district or county attorney to bring actions against an agency in order to institute reforms regarding their use of force practices. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 25, which eliminated the straight-ticket voting option (the option for voters to check one box to cast a ballot for every candidate from a single political party) starting in the year 2020. If passed, SB128 seeks to amend Section 662.003(b) of the Texas Government Code (a list of official Texas state holidays) to add Celebration of Suffrage Day in honor of the centuries-long struggle to bring the right of suffrage to all Americans. LANSING - Over 73,000 people across Michigan whose driver's licenses were suspended for certain infractions can get back on the road as a new law takes effect Friday. Bring alcoholic beverages onto or possess alcoholic beverages on the businesss premises for the purpose of consumption by the person on the premises. If passed, the bills would define a public place as any place to which the public or a substantial group of the public has access. If passed, SB845 would amend Section 38.005 of Texas Utilities Code in order to require the Public Utilities Commission to adopt minimum weatherization standards for electric utilities, transmission and distribution utilities, electric cooperatives, municipally owned utilities, and generation providers that ensure services remain reasonably reliable in extreme weather conditions. The bill would also require these utility providers to file annual reports regarding weatherization measures it implemented, as well as mandate periodic in-person inspections to verify said minimum weatherization standards have been implemented. If passed, a bet under Texas law will not include any offer of a prize, award, or compensation to the participants in a fantasy or simulated game or contest which is determined by the accumulated statistical performances of the individual athletes on a participants fictional sports team.. Retailers are authorized to sell beer for on-premise consumption between 10:00 a.m. and noon if the beer is served to a customer in conjunction with the service of food. HB2367, on the other hand, seeks to amend Section 504.002 of the Texas Transportation Code to state that the department shall allow a vehicle registered under Chapter 502 to be equipped with a license plate that utilizes integrated circuit technology., Many drivers are frustrated with the increasing number of toll-funded highway projects in the state, as well as the fact that our states oldest toll roads still collect fees from drivers even though the road has long since been paid off.. This constitutional amendment would also authorize the legislature to enact a law based on the results of the referendum. Suspending licenses cuts economic growth. If passed, HB1121, SB736 & HB2070 each seek to lay the groundwork for legalized sports betting in Texas. Practicing With Suspended License Brings Disbarment for Texas Attorney The State Bar of Texas attorney discipline list for June includes 22 sanctions meted out against 21 Texas attorneys.. For accounts that were closed after February 19, 2021, a payment of $250 must be sent to the former account holder. Each of the above proposed bills seek to amend Chapter 2 of Texas Code of Criminal Procedure in order to add a policy requiring law enforcement officers in the state to intervene in order to prevent another peace officer from using excessive force. The report must include: If passed, SB747 seeks to amend Chapter 2 of Texas Code of Criminal Procedure in order to state that each law enforcement agency in the state shall adopt a policy prohibiting a peace officer of the agency from using a chemical device against a person younger than 18 years of age. Reinstatement fees in Massachusetts range from $100 up to $1,200, holders of a driver's license and $100 up to $1,200 for holders of a junior operators license. HB54 seeks to prohibit law enforcement departments in Texas from contracting with television crews to create reality shows. Jan. 1, 2021 5:20 AM PT. Medical Evaluation Process. SCR9 would designate the City of San Marcos as the official Mermaid Capital of Texas for the next 10 years. Tela Mange . Texas observes daylight saving time beginning the second Sunday in March, and then reverts to standard time on the first Sunday in November. If the child was under seven (7) years old and died as a result of said injury, the offense is elevated to a third degree felony. To see a full list of the 9,966 bills submitted during Texas 87th Legislature, click here. Under HB1117, once a toll road is paid off, the road would become part of the state highway system and must be maintained by the commission (or shall continue to be maintained by the entity operating the project if certain criteria is not met). The amount billed by the medical or health care provider. This made sense back when the Texas Legislature was first established in 1845 (and lawmakers had to travel to Austin by horse), but not so much anymore. For equipment containing an electronic security lock or other security-related function, any special documentation, replacement part, or tool needed to disable and reset the lock or function when disabled in the course of diagnosis, maintenance, or repair of the equipment. The chief election official of each member state shall then determine the number of votes, and add such votes together to produce a national popular vote total for each presidential slate. If passed, HB502 would amend Section 504.010 of the Texas Transportation Code to authorize the department to collect a fee of $50 per year from drivers who do not wish to display a front license plate on their registered vehicle. About 330,000 Hoosiers had an active driver's license suspension in 2019, according to Chris Daniels of the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council. HB1837 & SB2141 both seek to amend Chapter 2 of Texas Code of Criminal Procedure in order address (and prevent) motorcycle profiling by law enforcement officers. If passed, the bills seek to amend Article XVI of the Texas Constitution by adding that the state, acting under the exemption provisions of the Uniform Time Act of 1966, is exempt from the provisions of that law that establish daylight saving time. The bill also applies to distillers and brewers from out-of-state who wish to ship liquor and beer directly to consumers in Texas. SB4 seeks to amend Subtitle F, Title 10 of Texas Government Code in order to add a section titled Agreements With Professional Sports Teams. If passed, the bill would prohibit governmental entities from entering into agreements with professional sports teams that requires a financial commitment by this state or any governmental entity unless the agreement includes: If passed, HB1758 seeks to amend Chapter 423 of Texas Government Code in order to make it a Class A misdemeanor to operate an unmanned aircraft that is equipped with a chemical dispensing device, an explosive weapon, an improvised explosive device, or a firearm.. HB3335, if passed, also seeks to amend amend Section 17.46, Business & Commerce Code to include selling electricity at prices at least 200% higher than the market average price for the four quarters immediately preceding a declared disaster as a false, misleading, or deceptive act or practice., SB2075 seeks to amend amend Section 17.46, Business & Commerce Code to include selling electricity at prices at least 300% higher than the average price for the month immediately preceding a declared disaster as a false, misleading, or deceptive act or practice., If passed, each of the above-proposed bills seek to amend Section 39.151 of Texas Utilities Code to ensure that each member of the governing body of the independent organization certified to manage the ERCOT power region (including the CEO) must be a resident of Texas. Please fill out the form below and let us know how we can help. These policies must provide peace officers employed by the agency with explicit guidelines for the use of force that ensure that force will only be used against a person in a manner proportionate to the threat posed by the person.. Requiring that a part or product be purchased from any vendor or supplier on the basis that the part or product is the least expensive part or product available. If passed, HB937 seeks to amend Section 24.07 of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code in order to allow stores which hold a wine only package store permit and a retail dealers off-premise license to sell liquor on Sundays from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. This article highlights about 150 different proposed bills, but weve grouped them into several categories. Among other things, if passed, the amendment would allow up to four (4) casinos to operate at destination resorts located in metropolitan areas of the state with a population of two million or more (i.e., Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas-Fort Worth), provided that no more than one (1) casino is located within any one metropolitan area. HB832, if passed, would require officers to intervene if the use of force by another peace officer violates state or federal law, puts any person at risk of bodily injury (unless necessary to avoid imminent harm to a peace officer or other person), or is not required to apprehend or complete the apprehension of a suspect. Nine new 2021 California laws that will affect you. Both SB207 & HB1617 seek to amend Section 41.0105 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code to provide additional limits on recovering economic damages (e.g., medical expenses) in civil cases. The exemption provided by this section applies to both the portion of the state using central standard time as the official standard time and the portion of the state using mountain standard time as the official standard time. Currently, there is no specific penalty for turning off a camera during an investigation. Reinstatement fees can be paid in person, unless your suspension paperwork gives directions on how to pay by mail or phone. While similar bills had been introduced in the 82nd and 85th Texas Legislature (in 2011 and 2017, respectively), both failed to pass. The most versatile suppressor in the Banish line, the Banish 30 works with all of your rifle calibers from .17 to .30 caliber magnums. The bill seeks to establish basic guidelines, outline responsibilities, insurance requirements, record retention policies, and more. Citizenship or, if you are not a U.S. Citizen, evidence of lawful presence Texas Residency Identity, and Social Security Number Notably, the bill would permit the delivery of such beverages to consumers located in dry areas of the state. If passed, HB371 seeks to amend Section 662.003(b) of the Texas Government Code (a list of official Texas state holidays) to add the day after the Super Bowl as an official state holiday. Histotechnology is the science of detecting tissue abnormalities that indicate diseases such as cancer. New Texas Laws Proposed for 2021. SB209 also seeks to make any mandatory arbitration agreement covering disputes involving allegations of sexual assault or sexual harassment void and unenforceable. She received a two-year partially probated suspension, effective Feb. 15, in connection with a case where she accepted $1,200 . If passed, HB1131 seeks to add additional restrictions on certain insurance practices related to the repair of a motor vehicle following an accident and/or property damage claim. If passed, SJR12 & HJR69 seek to amend Article VI of the Texas Constitution to allow a person who will be 18 years of age or older on the date of the subsequent general election to vote in a primary election. Many have argued that reality TV shows like Live PD and Cops may encourage some law enforcement officers to use excessive force. The bill, if passed, would also set the legal groundwork for licensing cultivators and dispensaries, manufacturing practices, safety testing, and more. Even if their damages later turn out to be much higher than they initially thought, the insurance company is no longer obligated to pay any additional compensation. SB435 & HB2271 both seek to amend Subchapter C, Chapter 418 of the Texas Government Code in order to add a section on Texas Pandemic Response Plan.. If approved, the sign may remain posted for a period of two (2) years. If passed, HB904 seeks to amend Section 662.003(b) of the Texas Government Code (a list of official Texas state holidays) to add the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of an even-numbered year (election day) as a state holiday. Dan Patrick announced that he will be introducing a bill known as the Star Spangled Banner Protection Act (SB4). The person to be arrested or attempting to escape after arrest possesses a deadly weapon; and. The court may authorize this only if the presence of the dog or animal will assist the witness in providing testimony, the party petitioning for the order provides proof of liability insurance coverage in effect for the dog or animal, and the party petitions the court no later than the 14th day before the date of the court proceeding. HB502, HB1199 & HB1274 all seek to allow motor vehicle owners in Texas to display a license plate only on the rear of a motor vehicle. These daycare facilities shall retain all recorded video required by this act for at least 30 days after the date the video is recorded. In March of 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a waiver which permitted restaurants with a mixed beverage permit to offer beer, wine, and mixed drinks to-go with food purchases. If passed, HB2157 seeks to amend Section 662.003(b) of the Texas Government Code to add Womens Equality Day, which would fall on the 26th day of August, as an official state holiday in Texas. In order to provide funding for this, the bill would appropriate state aid (from the economic stabilization fund) to school districts in an amount equal to the product of $4,000 multiplied by the number of classroom teachers, full-time librarians, full-time school counselors, and full-time school nurses employed by the districtbut only if the bill is approved by a 2/3 vote. In accordance with these rules, an independent organization certified under Section 39.151 for the ERCOT power region shall adopt procedures and enter contracts as necessary to ensure the availability of a defined amount of emergency reserve power generation capacity the organization may call on to prevent blackouts caused by shortages of generated power. If passed, both HCR35 & SCR21 seek to designate March 10 as Histotechnology Professionals Day for a period of ten (10) years in order to provide an opportunity to educate the public about the field of histotechnology and to give recognition to the vital contributions of histologists.. If an organization applies for a license to operate a casino, a local option election shall be held in the county. Conduct a hearing or other proceeding as a remote proceeding without the consent of the parties (unless the United States Constitution or Texas Constitution requires consent); Allow or require a judge, party, attorney, witness, court reporter, juror, or any other individual to participate in a remote proceeding, including a deposition, hearing, trial, or other proceeding. If passed, HB1178 seeks to amend the heading to Section 481.125 of Texas Health and Safety Code in order to remove all criminal penalties for the possession of drug paraphernalia under the Texas Controlled Substances Act (possession of drug paraphernalia is currently a Class C misdemeanor). HB1609 goes even further by seeking to classify possession of four (4) ounces or less of marijuana as a Class C misdemeanor. HB2838 would, however, allow customer outages for more than 12 hours to the extent necessary to supply facilities the commission determines are critical to maintaining public health and safety.. HB3141 seeks to require those who sell or resell tickets for a concert or other event in this state (including the operator of a ticket website) to disclose all fees charged in connection with the sale of a ticket for the event. Among other things, HB833 also states that deadly force is only to be used by peace officers as a last resort, and that before using force, officers must attempt to de-escalate the situation and issue a warning that force will be used.