As of September 1, 2024, a number of new laws have come into force in Texasbringing with it important changes in a range of areas, from the protection of minors on the Internet to transparency in the pharmaceutical industry. These reforms, approved by the state legislature, aim to address social problems, improve security and increase accountability in various sectors.
As we know, in the United States, each country has its own separate laws, which have value within its individual territory, so it is common for state powers to implement new ones or improve others that already existed in the past. Of course, there are federal rules that must be followed throughout the national territory, which cannot be violated.
NEW TEXAS LAWS EFFECTIVE AS OF SEPTEMBER 1
Among the most notable is the Children’s Online Protection through Parental Empowerment Act, known as the SCOPE Act, which is designed to limit minors’ access to social media and protect them from potentially harmful content.
The SCOPE Act, part of House Bill 18, is partially in effect as of today. The legislation requires social media sites to obtain consent from a parent or guardian before allowing a minor to create an account. Additionally, companies will be required to offer parents tools to monitor their children’s use of the platforms. However, a federal judge has temporarily blocked the second phase of the bill, which could affect the full implementation of these measures.
In addition to the SCOPE Act, other important reforms have also been implemented. Senate Bill 1841 seeks to provide better support for survivors of dating violence by establishing access to specialized domestic violence centers and more clearly defining what constitutes this form of violence. This measure aims to offer greater protection and resources for people affected by abuse in their relationships.
On the other hand, House Bill 1710 introduces a new requirement for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, which must now notify a judge if a defendant has served 75 days in jail. This law aims to increase transparency and ensure that the judicial system is aware of the time defendants are in custody.
In the health care arena, Senate Bill 241 addresses concerns about transparency in the insulin industry. This bill requires branded insulin manufacturers to disclose whether generic options are not available, thereby seeking to reduce the cost of this essential medication and improve accessibility for patients who rely on it.
Another significant reform is House Bill 4510, which modifies the way public agencies and universities in Texas report their financial information to the government. This law seeks to improve efficiency and clarity in the financial management of public entities.
Although House Bill 3291, which eliminates state inspections for noncommercial vehicles in most Texas counties, doesn’t go into effect until January 1, 2025, it’s worth noting. Starting that date, drivers won’t have to undergo these inspections, although the cost of vehicle registration will increase by $0.75 to compensate for this move. However, some counties will still require emissions testing.
