Auto insurance companies will often contact car accident victims within hours of an accident claim being filed in order to offer them a quick (lowball) settlement offer. HB3877 seeks to lower the prima facie speed limit of any urban district street in Texas city with a population greater than 950,000 to 25 miles per hour on a street other than an alley, and 15 miles per hour in an alley. If passed, both HCR35 & SCR21 seek to designate March 10 as Histotechnology Professionals Day for a period of ten (10) years in order to provide an opportunity to educate the public about the field of histotechnology and to give recognition to the vital contributions of histologists.. If passed, HB3198 would require original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of digital electronic equipment sold or used in this state to make available, on fair and reasonable terms, to any independent repair provider or to an owner of digital electronic equipment manufactured by or on behalf of, sold by, or supplied by the original equipment manufacturer: HB4063, on the other hand, would require original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of electronics-enabled heavy equipment sold or used in this state to make available, on fair and reasonable terms, to any independent repair provider or to an owner of electronics-enabled heavy equipment manufactured by or on behalf of, sold by, or supplied by the original equipment manufacturer: Texas law currently prohibits car manufacturers from directly selling vehicles to customers, and instead encourages automakers to sell via franchised dealerships. The bill not only seeks to set limitations on the amount of damages plaintiffs can seek following a serious 18-wheeler accident, but would also put limitations on what information can be admitted as evidence. HJR133 & SJR49 both propose a constitutional amendment which would authorize and regulate casino gaming at a limited number of destination resorts and facilities licensed by the (yet-to-be-created) Texas Gaming Commission, as well as authorize sports wagering in the state. The annual $50 fee will be deposited into the state highway fund. A handler who is trained to manage the qualified facility dog or qualified therapy animal must accompany the dog or animal at a court proceeding, and courts may impose additional restrictions during the court proceeding. HB205, if passed, seeks to modify Chapter 2151 of the Texas Occupations Code in order to require that amusement ride operators be trained in the proper use and operation of the ride, and to be at least 16 years of age. The application shall only be approved if a majority of the voters favor the authorization of casino gaming. According to HB1121, any excess revenue made by the department (exceeding the expenses necessary to operate the platform) shall be deposited to the credit of the foundation school fund. If passed, HB1121, SB736 & HB2070 each seek to lay the groundwork for legalized sports betting in Texas. Schedule a free case evaluation with our criminal lawyers by calling (254) 220-4225. Since this time, the noneconomic damages portion of a victims claim have been limited to an amount not to exceed $250,000regardless of whether or not the plaintiff was awarded more in court. Recorded video required by this act will be confidential, and may not be released or viewed by anyone except: If passed, HB1009 would modify Section 261.101 of Texas Family Code to provide a criminal penalty for those who fail to report child abuse resulting in a serious injury. If passed, these bills would establish rules and regulations regarding qualifying patients, a patient registry system, cannabis testing facilities, licensure of dispensing organizations, allowable amounts, taxes, fees, and more. It would also amend Section 38.15 of Texas Penal Code (interference with public duties) to add an affirmative defense to prosecution if the conduct engaged in by the defendant consisted only of filming, recording, photographing, documenting, or observing a peace officer, if before or while engaging in the conduct, the defendant obeyed any reasonable and lawful order by a peace officer to change the defendants proximity or position., HB1757 also seeks to amend Section 542.501 of Texas Transportation Code (willfully failing or refuse to comply with a lawful order) to state that the law does not apply to an order or direction to cease filming, recording, photographing, documenting, or observing a peace officer while the officer is engaged in the performance of official duties, although this does not prohibit a peace officer from giving the person a reasonable and lawful order or direction to change the persons proximity or position relative to a peace officer who is engaged in the performance of official duties., Lastly, HB1757 would also amend Chapter 2 of Texas Code of Criminal Procedure to state that if during the performance of the peace officers official duties a peace officer makes a video or audio recording of the officers interaction with a person, the peace officer must immediately disclose to the person that the officer is recording the interaction and the method by which the officer is making the recording, except if the peace officers interaction with a person occurs as part of an ongoing criminal investigation or if making the disclosure immediately would be unsafe, unrealistic, or impracticable.. The amount of force exceeds that which is reasonable under the circumstances; and. If passed, HB505 seeks to amend Section 2154.202(g) of the Texas Occupations Code in order to also permit fireworks sales to the public beginning five days before Labor Day and ending at midnight on Labor Day (in a county in which the commissioners court of the county has approved the sale of fireworks during the period). The training program must be approved by the attorney general, and will include guidance on how to recognize and report human trafficking, how to report suspected human trafficking, and more. Often referred to as swoop and settle tactics, the objective is to get the victim to agree to settle their claim before theyre even able to see a doctor or get an estimate on repair costs. In 2021 the Legislature's super-majority of Democrats sent Gov. If passed, both HB359 & SB1935 seek to amend Subchapter C, Chapter 1952 of Texas Insurance Code in order to remove this prerequisite. In order to provide funding for this, the bill would appropriate state aid (from the economic stabilization fund) to school districts in an amount equal to the product of $4,000 multiplied by the number of classroom teachers, full-time librarians, full-time school counselors, and full-time school nurses employed by the districtbut only if the bill is approved by a 2/3 vote. Some Texas abortion clinics were already turning patients away even before the state's harsh new abortion law went into effect at midnight. If passed, the bills would allow defendants to introduce evidence of the reasonableness of the amount charged for medical or health care services provided to the plaintiff, including: If passed, HB903 seeks to amend the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code in order to allow a person with legal custody of a minor to settle a civil claim on the childs behalf (as long as the settlement is $25,000 or less) without the need to appoint a guardian ad litem. If passed, HB827 seeks to amend Chapter 372 of the Texas Transportation Code in order to prohibit toll project entities (or private entities that operate a toll project) from disclosing information on the speed at which a vehicle is operated on the toll project to a law enforcement agency for the purpose of proving an offense under Subchapter H, Chapter 545 (speed restrictions). For more information on the current license structure, fees and more, visit the following pages and resources: Copyright 2023 Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Ill be honest I thought we had settled this one a long time ago. Each of the bills listed above seek to change this by amending Chapter 372 of the Texas Transportation Code. Each of the bills listed above, which were filed in response to the widespread electrical outages experienced during the catastrophic winter storm in February of 2021, seek to ensure that Texas has adequate reserve power to prevent blackout conditions caused by shortages of generated power in the ERCOT power region. If passed, HB563 states that each law enforcement agency in Texas shall adopt a detailed written policy requiring peace officers employed by the agency to intervene to stop or prevent another peace officer from using excessive force against a person suspected of committing an offense, if an ordinary, prudent peace officer would intervene under the same or similar circumstances.. If passed, HB67 seeks to amend Chapter 202 of Texas Property Code in order to prevent HOAs from the adopting or enforcing any provisions that prohibit or restrict a property owner from installing a swimming pool enclosure that conforms to applicable state or local safety requirements. HB1793 seeks to amend Title 10 of Texas Insurance Code in order to prohibit auto insurance companies from obtaining oral releases for claims arising out of property damage or an injury for which an insurer may be liable under an automobile insurance policy. If passed, HB1198 seeks to amend Section 662.003(b) of the Texas Government Code to add Sam Houston Day, in honor of one of this states greatest heroes. If approved, this holiday would fall on the 26th day of July. If passed, SB585 would allow alcohol retailers to sell beer and wine (containing 17% or less alcohol by volume) for off-premise consumption on Sundays between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. HB2728 seeks to amend Subchapter C, Chapter 662 of Texas Government Code (recognition days) to declare January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in order to commemorate the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and to honor the millions of victims of the Holocaust. Free to Drive: End driver's license suspensions for unpaid fines and fees In accordance with these rules, an independent organization certified under Section 39.151 for the ERCOT power region shall adopt procedures and enter contracts as necessary to ensure the availability of a defined amount of emergency reserve power generation capacity the organization may call on to prevent blackouts caused by shortages of generated power. Limit motorized scooters to one rider at a time. If passed, SB41 seeks to increase the filing fee for civil lawsuits filed in county court, statutory county court, county court at law, probate court, statutory probate court, or district court in Texas. Each of the Joint Resolutions listed above propose an amendment to the Texas constitution authorizing the legislature to legalize wagering on professional and collegiate sporting events in the State of Texas. Modular Suppressor ( 7 or 9) Below hearing safe. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation . The commissioner shall set the rate of the adjustment no later than November 1st of each year. This made sense back when the Texas Legislature was first established in 1845 (and lawmakers had to travel to Austin by horse), but not so much anymore. Lets take a look at some of the more-interesting ones. SB1853 seeks to amend Subchapter H, Chapter 151 of Texas Tax Code in order to temporarily exempt personal protective equipment from sales taxes. May subject the team to debarment from contracting with this state. HB929 (known as the Botham Jean Act or Bos Law) seeks to clean up ambiguous guidelines in Texas castle doctrine law, to clean up language regarding mistake of fact when used as a legal defense, as well as to standardize police body cam policy and increase police accountability and transparency with regard to body worn cameras. This would effectively allow physicians in Texas to prescribe low-THC cannabis to patients diagnosed with any medical condition that produces symptoms, or the treatment of which produces symptoms, that are alleviated by medical use of low-THC cannabis., As mentioned previously, the Texas Compassionate Use Act currently allows physicians in Texas to prescribe low-THC cannabis only to patients diagnosed with epilepsy, seizure disorders, multiple sclerosis, spasticity, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, autism, terminal cancer, or an incurable neurodegenerative disease.. SB70 seeks to amend Chapter 2 of Texas Code of Criminal Procedure to add a section titled Use of Force Reporting.. Among other things, the bill states that public, private, and independent institutions of higher education (i.e., colleges and universities) may not adopt or enforce a policy, requirement, standard, or limitation that prohibits or otherwise prevents a student athlete participating in an intercollegiate athletic program at the institution from: SCR7 seeks to have the 87th Texas Legislature designate the Bowie knife as the official state knife of Texas. If passed, HB928 would define the term catfish as any species of the scientific family Ictaluridae. The term does not include any species of the scientific genus Pangasius, family Claridae or family Siluridae, including Swai fish (fish similar to catfish). A provision providing that failure to comply with the written verification required by Subdivision (1) for any team sporting event at the teams home venue or other facility: Immediately subjects the team to any penalty the agreement authorizes for default (including requiring the team to repay any money paid to the team by this state or any governmental entity or classifying the team as ineligible to receive further money under the agreement); and. HB383 seeks to raise the minimum wage to $12/hour, while HB60, HB1827 & HB4484 seek to raise the minimum wage to $15/hour. Rudolph W. Giuliani, a former top federal prosecutor, New York City mayor and lawyer to a president, had his law license suspended after a New York court ruled on Thursday that he . All rights reserved. Provide a US Coast Guard approved personal flotation device; Ensure the child is wearing the personal flotation device, and; Ensure that the device is properly fitted for the child. Similar to the bills above, HB616, if passed, seeks to amend Section 481.121 of Texas Health and Safety Code to classify possession of two (2) grams or less of marijuana as a Class C misdemeanor. To see a full list of the 9,966 bills submitted during Texas 87th Legislature, click here. Obtaining professional representation, including representation by an athlete agent or attorney, in relation to contracts or other legal matters. HB1682, if passed, would amend Chapter 542 of Texas Insurance Code in order to require insurance companies to disclose their insureds policy information to 3rd-party claimants upon written request. It is important to note, though, that Lt. Gov. If passed, HB501 would effectively raise the caps on noneconomic damages from $250,000 to upwards of $350,000. Suspended License Driving with a suspended license is a misdemeanor in Texas. HB1943 seeks to go a bit further by stating that a peace officer may not, while performing an official duty, discharge a firearm at or in the direction of a moving vehicle occupied solely by the driver unless: If the vehicle has one or more passengers, an officer may only discharge a firearm in the direction of the vehicle if and when: HB1943 also states that an offense under this bill would be a felony of the third degree. Make it a third-degree felony to intentionally or knowingly deactivate, order the deactivation of, or cause to be deactivated a recording device being used during an investigation. If the above joint resolutions do pass, SB471 and HB1405 seek to further lay the groundwork for conducting the referendum, as well as implementing changes to Section 312.016 of Texas Government Code based on the results of the vote. Each of the three bills listed above seek to amend several sections of Texas Government Code (as well as the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Family Code, Estates Code, Health and Safety Code, and Code of Criminal Procedure) in order to permit or require the attendance of a court hearing or proceeding remotely through the use of technology and the Internet.. ALR Program. 0:00. SJR36 proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the operation of up to twelve (12) casinos in Texas counties that have approved casino gaming. Governor Abbott has already signaled his backing, and the bills are expected to receive bipartisan support when they comes up for vote. About 330,000 Hoosiers had an active driver's license suspension in 2019, according to Chris Daniels of the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council. Restrict anyone from riding a motorized scooter (gas or electric) on a roadway unless the posted speed limit is 30 mph or less (currently the limit is 35 mph or less). This constitutional amendment would also authorize the legislature to enact a law based on the results of the referendum. Did you know that Texas recognizes Confederate Heroes Day (honoring Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and other Confederate heroes) as an official state holiday? If passed, the bill would add language requiring tolls to be removed once the costs of acquisition and construction of the project have been paid. Among other things, HB833 also states that deadly force is only to be used by peace officers as a last resort, and that before using force, officers must attempt to de-escalate the situation and issue a warning that force will be used. HB554 & SB1290 both seek to add a section to the Texas Transportation Code outlining rules for motor vehicles when passing pedestrians or bicycle operators on a roadway. Similar to SJR13 (above), SJR30 and HJR78 both propose a constitutional amendment which would authorize a statewide referendum allowing voters to indicate a preference for observing standard time year-round or observing daylight saving time year-round (rather than switching back and forth). Offering, communicating, or suggesting in any manner that a particular repair person or facility will provide faster repair times, faster service, or more efficient claims handling than another repair person or facility. If passed, the bills would: While its true that the Texas Transportation Code already requires drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians lawfully using a crosswalk (marked or unmarked). The fee depends on the offense leading to the suspension. Public Information Officer . Many cities in Texas currently have hands-free ordinances on the books, but if passed, HB86 would effectively make these local laws unenforceable. HB809 seeks to allow the possession, use, cultivation, distribution, transportation, and delivery of medical cannabis for medical use by patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For 1 year, if you are under 21 years old and: An additional 180 days, if you don't complete an Alcohol Education Program. The officer reasonably believes it is immediately necessary to protect the officer from unlawful deadly force by the driver of the vehicle by means of the vehicle; and. Each of the four joint resolutions above propose an amendment to the Texas constitution which states that the legislature by law shall authorize and regulate the possession, cultivation, and sale of cannabis for medical use in this state., These three bills seek to amend Chapter 487 of the Texas Health and Safety Code in order to lay the legal groundwork for medical marijuana sales in Texas. Texas Attorney Suspended, 20 Others Disciplined Require a peace officer who participates in an investigation to keep a body worn camera activated for the entirety of the investigation. The tt Snt passed a new law on suspended license in California. HB443 seeks to require drivers to not only yield, but to stop and yield the right of way.. Disregarding a repair operation or cost identified by an estimating system, including the systems procedural pages and any repair, process, or procedure recommended by the original equipment manufacturer of a part or product.

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