New Laws In Texas Begin September 1st

Every year, we get new laws from the Texas legislature. And, if we're being honest, most of the time they just pass on without us putting too much thought into them. However, this year there are several new laws that have been passed and will go into effect on September 1st here in the Lone Star State. I've listed some of them below.

Smoking Age - No one under the age of 21 will be able to purchase cigarettes or any other tobacco products from the store.
Cough Syrup - No one under the age of 18 will be able to purchase over-the-counter medicine that contains dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant.
Lemonade Stands - Cities and counties in Texas will not be able to ban children under the age of 18 from selling lemonade or other non-alcoholic beverages while on private property or public parks.
Brass Knuckles - The ban on carrying brass knuckles, kitty key chains, clubs and other self-defense items will now be lifted, making those items legal to carry in the state of Texas.
Hunting/Fishing Licenses - This will allow hunters and fishermen to show digital images of their hunting/fishing licenses. This would mean that you wouldn't have to have the paper copy of the license on you.
School Marshals - There will no longer be a cap on the number of school marshals that a campus can appoint.
Alcohol Delivery - Bars, restaurants or businesses with mixed beverage permits will be allowed to deliver alcohol with food to homes or other locations.
Increased Driving Fines/Fees - All traffic tickets and moving violations in Texas will be increased by $30-$50. There will also be an increase in fines for intoxicated driving.
Guns - There are several new laws in regards to guns in Texas. See below:
- If you legally own a firearm, you will be allowed to carry it in public after a disaster (state or natural) is declared.
- Licensed handgun holders will be allowed to legally carry in places of worship unless given oral or written notice, or a warning that weapons were banned from that particular property. The places of worship are still allowed to ban weapons on that property, if desired.
- Landlords will not be allowed to prohibit renters from having guns in their apartments.
- School districts will not be allowed to ban possession of firearms, as long as they are stored in locked vehicles.