Voter ID, vaccine rule top new laws

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Texans will have a string of new laws to obey starting Sunday, thanks to legislation passed by the 81st and 82nd Legislatures.

Laws in effect on Jan. 1 include:

• 21 bills passed in the 82nd Regular Session
• Two other bills, SB 144 and SB 516, because of voter approval of constitutional amendments.
• Portions of 14 bills passed in the 82nd Regular Session and two bills passed in the 82nd Special Session
• Portions of HB 4765 passed in the 81st Regular Session

Voter identification

While its Justice Department review is still pending, a law requiring Texas voters to present a state- or federally-issued identification at the polls before casting their ballot will technically go into effect Jan. 1.

The Justice Department struck down a similar law in South Carolina last week because of possible discrimination against minorities. In Texas, though the law will exist, it is unclear when voters will actually have to use their ID cards to vote, as the measure’s fate is still up in the air.

Along with a voter registration card, Texans will have to show a Texas driver’s license, a Texas election ID (issued by the Department of Public Safety), a personal ID card from DPS, a Texas concealed handgun license, a U.S. military ID card, a U.S. citizenship certificate or a U.S. passport.

The Republican-backed bill was pushed through during the 82nd Regular Session as one of Gov. Rick Perry’s emergency items. GOP members said it would help prevent voter fraud, while Democrats argued it would suppress voting groups like minorities, the poor, and the elderly.

The law in South Carolina met its downfall after the Justice Department used state data showing tens of thousands of residents did not have the required IDs and that minority voters would suffer under the measure. Federal officials have asked Texas for the details of 600,000 registered voters who are not listed in state databases of people with valid IDs.

A battle between the federal government and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott is expected. Abbott recently said he will “take all necessary legal action to defend” the voter ID law. Both Texas and South Carolina’s laws are likely headed for the U.S. Supreme Court, which upheld a similar Indiana law in 2008.

Five states passed voter ID laws this year but must receive pre-clearance from the Justice Department before those procedures can be used. Earlier this month, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder visited Austin and spoke out against Texas’ proposal.

Meningitis vaccine

A new law requiring more college students to be vaccinated for bacterial meningitis will also go into effect Jan. 1. The often fatal disease led lawmakers in the 82nd Regular Session to work to keep it off of college campuses, where health care experts say it most commonly exists.

Before this law, the vaccine was required for most students living in dorms. Now, all new students and students re-enrolling in class after taking a semester off will have to be vaccinated.

Some critics have pointed out the cost of such a vaccine, which can vary depending on the provider. Regardless, students must receive the vaccine at least ten days before enrollment.

Here's a list of all new laws in effect Jan. 1.