Img source: 12newsnow
As we gear up for the new year, Texas is set to implement a series of new laws that will undoubtedly impact its residents. From changes in healthcare to adjustments in education, these new regulations will influence various aspects of daily life.
Modification to Texas tax code make up a significant portion of the new laws taking effect on New Year’s Day, with a total of 19 measures set to become active. The two major bills address assessment review boards, which set property taxes for homes within designated assessment districts. HB796 creates a publicly available Internet database of information related to hearings conducted by assessment review boards. HB4101 Establishes a set of rules aimed at protecting appraisal review board protests.
The Kroger-Albertsons Grocery Merger Lawsuit Unveiled
Texas Republicans targeted diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives by imposing a blanket ban on DEI initiatives at all public universities and institutions of higher education in Texas during this summer’s legislative session.
SB17 prohibits public colleges and universities from “promoting policies or procedures designed or implemented without reference to race, color, or ethnicity” and specifically prohibits schools from establishing or maintaining a diversity, equity and inclusion office.
SB 17 made news before it went into effect on January 1. This summer, Texas A&M University was embroiled in a national scandal over irregularities in the hiring of Dr. Kathleen McElroy, a distinguished journalism professor at the University of Texas.
The recruiting process failed when representatives within the A&M system raised concerns about McElroy’s focus on race and gender issues in the media – a frenzy McElroy termed “DEI hysteria”. The turmoil surrounding McElroy’s hiring process came as the A&M system audited its universities to ensure compliance with SB17 before the law took effect.
In the realm of education, Texas is set to roll out new measures aimed at enhancing the quality of education in the state. School safety and beyond will take effect on or before January 1, 2024. SB10 gives teachers who are active members of the Texas Teachers Retirement System a cost-of-living adjustment.
Man Files Lawsuit Against Walmart for $100M or “Unlimited free Lifetime Shopping”
SB2124 requires districts to create and implement advanced math programs starting in middle school and it went into effect immediately after its passage earlier this year. Texas legislators also passed HB473 during this summer session.
This bill establishes the right of parents to be informed if their child is the subject of a public school threat assessment and a “threat assessment” conducted by the Safe and Supportive Schools Team.
You can learn more about other laws taking effect on January 1, 2024 here.
