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HOUSTON- Just as we begin to take down the holiday decorations and recover from an extended vacation, be prepared to digest a couple of new laws that are now in effect for the New Year.
The 81st Texas Legislative session heats up on January 13th but already the work of the 80th has left its mark (http://www.house.state.tx.us/resources/accomplishments80th.pdf). Now many of these laws are sleepers, you know, the ones that come in between while you are not watching, and they were decided back in 2007. (For all of you who don’t know, in Texas, the legislative body only convenes every other year.
So for the next six to nine months or so we will keep a real close eye on what promises to be an action packed 81st Legislative session.
There are hundreds of new laws that became effective since the 80th Legislative session, but here are a couple of the highlights that will impact you for 2009.
Teenagers, Tots and Teachers
If you are a teen and you haven’t settled into the new requirement for steroid testing of athletes or the ban on the use of your cell phone while driving for your first six months, there will be more on the list for 2009. This may not be a bad addition, just like driving and cell phone usage, there is some convincing support. The legislators wanted it clear that new drivers should focus on the road and with the recent rise in teen related driving accidents and fatalities around the state, maybe we should all heed this warning.
Texas House Bill 1287 will require all school districts in the state to establish “elective courses in the history and literature of the Old and New Testaments eras.” It also requires the use of those two books as texts.
Now this bill, although controversial for some, included the separation of church and state issue, how the class would be taught and by whom and of course who will design the curriculum. Some of things questions will be wrestling in the minds of parents and clergy for months to come. But remember, the courses are optional as an elective and may be a good opportunity for students to expand their knowledge of religion. Many of these type courses are offered by just about every college across the country.
From toddlers and young Texas Tikes, there will be an increase for riding in those child care safety seats. The new law increases the age limit from four to five years of age.
Teachers in the state, will have to work a bit longer before they can retire. The new age is 60 up from the long standing 50 years of age. Sorry teachers, although you may have a bit more to deal with daily with some of our wonderful students, this move takes you out of the dark ages and may help keep some great teachers around a bit longer. There are some grandfathering criteria that will exempt some teachers and school employees from the decision.
Kick the Habit and Save Some Money
Yes, not only has the price to smoke gone up, but now there will be an additional penalty (tax) added to the cost to ensure that cigarettes (but not cigars) are “fire-safe.”
A fire standard compliant cigarette (FSCC) reduces the burning time necessary to ignite furniture or bedding material because it is designed to self-extinguish if it is left unattended or is not actively being smoked.
Now wholesalers and retailers can sell there existing inventory, if they can prove that it was made before January 1, 2009 and by 2010, all cigarettes will have to meet the new standard.
If you are looking for ways to cut cost in this down economy, this might be one to consider. Just remember you will pay a premium for the cigarette, plus the penalty fee.
Next week we will look at some of the bills to watch in 2009.
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