Other new laws make changes to the tax code, criminal justice and health care systems.
New Texas Laws 2023
On Sept. 1, 774 laws passed by the Texas Legislature in 2023 will go into effect. In the days leading up to then, The Texas Tribune is highlighting a few laws that flew under the radar during the legislative session but will have noticeable impact on people’s lives. Click here to see all the new laws going into effect.
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New Texas Laws 2023
Texas needs water workers. Will high school students answer the call?
Nearly two-thirds of the state’s water and wastewater agencies say they need more workers.
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New Texas Laws 2023
New Texas law bars animal cruelty offenders from owning animals for five years
The law bans those convicted of animal cruelty, including those involved with dogfighting, from owning any kind of animal for five years after their first criminal offense.
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New Texas Laws 2023
School safety, tutoring and hair: These are some of the new education laws that go into effect this year
Lawmakers failed to pass legislation on school vouchers or teacher raises this year, but they approved other education-related laws like an $800 million investment in high-quality instructional materials and new rules for students found vaping or using marijuana.
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New Texas Laws 2023
Certain Texas counties must increase voting locations despite a lack of buildings and workers
Elections officials say finding new buildings and volunteers will be difficult ahead of the 2024 general election.
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New Texas Laws 2023
773 new Texas laws go into effect Friday. Here are some that might affect you.
The new laws affect schools, the electric grid and the power of local governments.
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New Texas Laws 2023
New Texas law increases hospital notice before removing patients from life support
Medical professionals now must tell families 25 days in advance before ending care. Some groups wish the state gave families even more power when they disagree with a doctor’s prognosis.
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New Texas Laws 2023
Texas can now apply to import lower-priced Canadian medications
Texas joins a handful of states turn to the north for cheaper drugs. But feds have been slow to approve requests, three years after giving initial OK.
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New Texas Laws 2023
Rural Texas sheriffs, stretched thin, are getting an injection of cash from state lawmakers
With little in local tax revenue to help pay staff, rural Texas sheriffs are often forced to do more with less. Lawmakers hope a new grant program will help rebuild the ranks of rural law enforcement.
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New Texas Laws 2023
This new law will help health care workers save lives in ambulances that cover wide-open West Texas
The emerging technology, paid for by a grant established during the 2023 legislative session, will help emergency health care workers talk with doctors in emergency rooms to better care for critical patients.