Hundreds of new laws taking effect

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Texans will be subject to a long string of new laws on Thursay. Along with the state budget, which slashes billions, nearly half of the 1,400 laws passed by the legislature in the last session will go into effect Sept. 1.

The Legislature's website has a searchable list of all bills that were filed during the 2011 session and what became of each. Here is a list of 10 key bills that passed:

1. Pork Choppers – HB 718

Texas is waging war on feral hogs from the air. This law allows hunters to rent seats on helicopters and shoot pigs while flying above.

Officials estimate more than 2 million feral hogs live in the state, and one Houston company is already gearing up to charge for this hunting option.

A $350 hunting safety course and a $475 per hour fee is something several hunters have already signed up for. The company must get permission from landowners.

2. ‘Sexting’ – SB 407

Minors who send sexual pictures and texts with their cell phones will face misdemeanor charges. Repeat offenses could mean jail time.

Before this law, sexting cases were either were either dropped or handled under adult pornography laws. Now, minors found guilty and their parents must attend a state-sponsored class about sexting dangers.

The conviction can be removed from the minor’s record at age 18.

3. Spare the Rod – HB 359

Schools now need written approval from parents to use corporal punishment on students.

Texas is one of 19 states still allowing paddling in schools. As of the last legislative session, only 40 of 1,033 school districts in the state have banned corporal punishment.

4. Life in the Fast Lane – HB 1353

TxDOT can now create 75 mph speed limits on any state highway, if a speed study says it is safe. Crews will review current 70 mph speed limits to see if changes are necessary.

The law also ends the 65 mph nighttime speed limit and all truck speed limits.

5. Using Your Head - HB 675

High schools must get rid of football helmets older than 15 years. And every two years, they must also recondition helmets that are 10 years or older.

6. Bring Your Gun to Work - SB 321

Workers who legally own guns and ammunition and carry a valid concealed handgun license will now be able to store their weapons in locked private vehicles in their employer’s parking lot during company hours. It exempts schools and federal parking lots.

7. Doggie Domestic Violence - SB 279

Pets are now able to be included in protective orders. This law aims to prevent the abuse or death of pets when a domestic violence victim flees, which had become a common complaint.
 

8. Hardship driver licenses - HB 90

Hardship licenseswill be suspended if the holder is convicted of two or more moving violations during a 12-month period. DPS may no longer waive the driver education requirement to issue a 60-day hardship license.

9. Driver Responsibility Program - HB 588

Drivers subjected to the program will be able to pay the entire three-year amount of surcharges owed for a violation in advance, rather than paying across all three years. ()

10. Special designation for vets - HB 1514

A veteran designation will be displayed on a driver license for applicants who provide proof of military service and honorable discharge.