On September 1, 2021, 666 new laws went into effect in the state of Texas. According to Texas Governor Greg Abbot, "many of the laws going into effect today will ensure a safer, freer, healthier, and more prosperous Texas."
Bill 929
Police Body Cameras
As a push to further the transparency of law enforcement activity, Texas police officers are now required by law to keep their body cameras on during the entirety of their participation in active investigations. Known as the Botham Jean Act or "Bo's Law," this new law is a reminder of Botham Jean who was shot and killed in his own apartment by a police officer.
Police Body Cameras
As a push to further the transparency of law enforcement activity, Texas police officers are now required by law to keep their body cameras on during the entirety of their participation in active investigations. Known as the Botham Jean Act or "Bo's Law," this new law is a reminder of Botham Jean who was shot and killed in his own apartment by a police officer.
Bill 69
Police Chokeholds & Excessive Force
Unless used to prevent officer or bystander injuries, Texas police are now banned from using chokeholds or excessive force during arrests. This law is in response to the May 2020 death of George Floyd. Floyd was held in a chokehold for over 9 minutes by a Minneapolis police officer. The law also states that officers who witness acts of unnecessary force are required to report them.
Police Chokeholds & Excessive Force
Unless used to prevent officer or bystander injuries, Texas police are now banned from using chokeholds or excessive force during arrests. This law is in response to the May 2020 death of George Floyd. Floyd was held in a chokehold for over 9 minutes by a Minneapolis police officer. The law also states that officers who witness acts of unnecessary force are required to report them.
Bill 9
Blocking Emergency Vehicles
This new law - mainly in response to Black Lives Matter protestors - will make it a state jail felony to block emergency vehicles from passing through a roadway or block a hospital entrance. Governor Abbott on Twitter wrote that "Peaceful protest doesn't include blocking roadways & preventing emergency vehicle access." He continued, "That chaos won't be tolerated in Texas."
Blocking Emergency Vehicles
This new law - mainly in response to Black Lives Matter protestors - will make it a state jail felony to block emergency vehicles from passing through a roadway or block a hospital entrance. Governor Abbott on Twitter wrote that "Peaceful protest doesn't include blocking roadways & preventing emergency vehicle access." He continued, "That chaos won't be tolerated in Texas."
Bill 1927
Constitutional Carry Without a Permit
Now - as long as they are not prohibited from possessing a gun by state of federal law - all Texans over the age of 21 will be able to carry a handgun in public without license or training. Under this same law, it is now a Class A Misdemeanor to carry a firearm while intoxicated. If you are charged, you can face up to a year in prison and a $4,000 fine.
Constitutional Carry Without a Permit
Now - as long as they are not prohibited from possessing a gun by state of federal law - all Texans over the age of 21 will be able to carry a handgun in public without license or training. Under this same law, it is now a Class A Misdemeanor to carry a firearm while intoxicated. If you are charged, you can face up to a year in prison and a $4,000 fine.
Bill 3490
Cyberbullying
It is now a Class B Misdemeanor to harass, annoy, alarm, torment, embarrass, or pose as another person via social media platforms. Repeat offenders can even face a Class A Misdemeanor or Third Degree Felony.
Cyberbullying
It is now a Class B Misdemeanor to harass, annoy, alarm, torment, embarrass, or pose as another person via social media platforms. Repeat offenders can even face a Class A Misdemeanor or Third Degree Felony.
Bill 558
DWI Blood Tests
According to Bill 558, any driver that injures or kills another person will now be required to have their blood tested for alcohol or drugs in their system. Texas police can also require a blood test under the following circumstances:
DWI Blood Tests
According to Bill 558, any driver that injures or kills another person will now be required to have their blood tested for alcohol or drugs in their system. Texas police can also require a blood test under the following circumstances:
- the person was involved in an "intoxicating offense" involving a motor or water vehicle
- the person refuses to voluntarily provide a specimen
- there is reason to believe the accident was caused by intoxication
Final Thoughts
New Laws Bring New Ways to Slip Up
We all make mistakes. But sometimes our mistakes can cause a lot of problems, including hefty fines and jail time. Jeff Brown is a Fort Worth criminal lawyer who has a deep understanding of these new Texas laws and how to protect your rights in an ever-changing world. If you've been convicted of a crime, big or small, don't panic. Call Jeff today.
New Laws Bring New Ways to Slip Up
We all make mistakes. But sometimes our mistakes can cause a lot of problems, including hefty fines and jail time. Jeff Brown is a Fort Worth criminal lawyer who has a deep understanding of these new Texas laws and how to protect your rights in an ever-changing world. If you've been convicted of a crime, big or small, don't panic. Call Jeff today.