A new law will allow more consumers to challenge surprise medical bills they get from out-of-network doctors, but only if the charge is more than $500. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series.
31 Days, 31 Ways (2015)
Throughout August 2015, The Texas Tribune featured 31 ways Texans’ lives would change because of new laws on Sept. 1, the date many bills passed by the Legislature — including the budget — took effect.
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31 Days, 31 Ways (2015)
Planned Parenthood Out of Cancer Screening Program
Poor, uninsured women in Texas will no longer be able to obtain government-subsidized breast and cervical cancer screenings at Planned Parenthood clinics starting Sept. 1. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series.
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31 Days, 31 Ways (2015)
Five Changes to How Politicians Are Prosecuted
Greg Abbott called on the 2015 Legislature to reform itself with new ethics laws, and reform it did: It created one set of procedures for politicians and another for everybody else. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series.
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31 Days, 31 Ways (2015)
New Truancy Law Poised to Put More Pressure on Schools, Parents
When the state’s new truancy law takes effect Sept. 1, students will no longer potentially face criminal sanctions for skipping school. But there are new directives for public schools and the courts. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series.
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31 Days, 31 Ways (2015)
New Law Helps Tackle Health Agency Woes
After being accused of corruption, inefficiency and incompetence, the state health agency’s Office of Inspector General is trying to get back on track, and hopes a new law will clarify and streamline its fraud investigations. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series.
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31 Days, 31 Ways (2015)
Obamacare Health Plans to Get Special Label
Texans who purchased insurance under Obamacare will soon have a special label on their insurance cards. Use our interactive map to see where Texans are purchasing these plans. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series.
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31 Days, 31 Ways (2015)
New Law Will Help More Texans Go Solar
A loophole in state law allowed some developers to block solar installations on homes in new neighborhoods. Now it’s been plugged. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series.
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31 Days, 31 Ways (2015)
Texas Grand Jury Selection to Become More Random
Texas is on the verge of overhauling the way it selects grand jurors, shifting away from an antiquated process that critics say creates the potential for conflicts of interest. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series.
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31 Days, 31 Ways (2015)
Lawmakers Ditch $200 Fee for Lawyers, Doctors, Brokers
Fourteen years after lawmakers first tacked on a $200 annual licensing fee for some occupations, the so-called professionals tax will be repealed Sept. 1. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series.
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31 Days, 31 Ways (2015)
State College Aid Becoming Less Accessible for Middle Class
Lawmakers have pumped millions into financial aid for low-income residents and are phasing out programs with less strict income requirements. Is the middle class is being left out? This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series.
