These New Laws Go Into Effect In Texas On September 1

Texans will see several new laws go into effect on September 1.

They were passed during the recent, and controversial, legislative session. Below are some of the most notable new laws going into effect.

Alcohol

Bars and restaurants will permanently be allowed to sell alcohol to go.

Churches

State agencies and officials cannot pass emergency orders that “close or have the effect of closing places of worship in the state.” 

Constitutional carry

Adults over the age of 21 will not need a license or training to carry a handgun in public. The new rule only applies to people without a criminal record.

Medical marijuana

Texans with PTSD, cancer, or who are participating in research will be allowed to legally take medical marijuana.

National anthem

Professional sports teams with state contracts must play the Star Spangled Banner before games. The bill passed in response to Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, who stopped playing the anthem at games earlier this year.

Power grid reform

The legislature passed two laws in the hopes of avoiding another power grid failure, like the one that resulted from historic winter storms in February. Senate Bill 2 allows politicians to appoint the majority of members on the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) board.

Senate Bill 3 requires critically important power plants and gas suppliers to weatherize their systems. It also creates a new statewide emergency alert system.

Sex crimes

Texas became the first state in the country to make paying for sex a felony. The new law is meant to reduce sex trafficking.

Street racing

Street racing is already illegal, but now law enforcement will be allowed to seize a street racer's car.

For a complete list of all the bills passed during the recent legislative session, go here.