New Texas laws you should know about

Nearly 800 laws approved by Texas lawmakers went into effect Sept. 1 and many could have a direct impact on residents’ lives.

“The 88th Legislative session was a monumental success, and many of the laws going into effect … will ensure a safer, freer, healthier and more prosperous Texas,” said Gov. Greg Abbott in a statement. “I look forward to my continued work with the Legislature to build upon these successes and create an even brighter future for the Lone Star State.”

Among the notable new laws: House Bill 3297 might be one you’ve already heard about.

It eliminates the annual car-inspection requirement for many vehicles in Texas. Instead of getting your auto inspected, you will be required to just pay an annual fee of $7.50.

Even though the law is already in effect, it won’t start until 2025.

If your vehicle was not previously registered, you’ll pay $16.75 instead. Some of that money will go into several state funds, including the Texas Mobility Fund, which aims at accelerating transportation projects.

Cars in some of the state’s larger counties, including Harris, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Montgomery and Galveston, will still need to pass an emissions check.

The new law only applies to noncommercial vehicles, according to lawmakers.

Senate Bill 379 ends the sale tax on menstrual products, diapers, baby wipes, baby bottles and health-related products.

The law was passed to help new mothers and fathers cope with the costs of essential products.

Senate Bill 15, known as the “Save Women’s Sports Act,” focuses on protecting female athletes from what some lawmakers say is unfair competition from trans athletes.

“Women’s sports are being threatened. Some women are being forced to compete against biological men,” Abbott said.

This act legally allows individuals to sue institutions that allow trans athletes to compete on teams that align with their gender identity instead of the sex they were assigned at birth.

“Today is an important day for female athletes across the state of Texas, including little girls who aspire to one day compete in college sports,” Abbott said when he signed the bill into law. “The Save Women’s Sports Act protects young women at Texas colleges and universities by prohibiting men from competing on a team or as an individual against them in college sports.”

Critics say the law is a direct attack on the LGBTQ community, is discriminatory and likely will face legal challenges.

The next Texas regular legislative session is scheduled for Jan. 14, 2025, to June 2, 2025.

To learn more about the new laws, visit https:// www. sll. texas. gov/spotlight/ 2023/08/new-laws-effective- september-1st/.