Governor Greg Abbott has enacted over 300 bills passed during the 89th Regular Legislative Session. These legislative measures are intended to uphold Texas’s reputation as a leading state in the nation.
“Texas is the blueprint for America’s future,” Governor Abbott stated. “In my State of the State Address, I declared that our task this session is to be the guardians of freedom. The laws I signed today fulfill that task and ensure that Texans continue to benefit from the liberties that define our state.”
The governor is currently reviewing more than 1,200 bills submitted by the Texas Legislature. The sign/veto period for this legislative session will conclude on Sunday, June 22.
Among the 306 bills signed into law are several significant pieces of legislation:
– Senate Bill 1035 allows agricultural operation stakeholders to take legal action against political subdivisions infringing on “right to farm” protections.
– Senate Bill 2231 establishes Free College Application Week, enabling free applications to state universities during October’s second week.
– Senate Bill 2570 amends the Texas Penal Code to safeguard peace officers and correctional facility guards using less-lethal force weapons from frivolous lawsuits.
– House Bill 11 facilitates employment in Texas by acknowledging out-of-state occupational licenses.
– House Bill 12 mandates regular efficiency audits of state agencies.
– House Bill 29 requires water audit validation and mitigation for large municipally owned utilities.
– House Bill 33 enhances school safety through improved emergency planning and security measures.
– House Bill 229 affirms a binary definition of sex in Texas law.
– House Bill 1393 mandates year-round daylight saving time observance statewide upon federal approval, termed “Texas Time.”
– House Bill 1481 prohibits student use of personal communication devices during school hours in public schools.
– House Bill 2294 authorizes maximum reimbursement rates for high-rated childcare providers under certain conditions.
– House Bill 2306 denies parole eligibility for human trafficking offenders when victims are children or disabled individuals.
– House Bill 2674 removes regulatory burdens on homeschool programs in Texas.
– House Bill 5115 criminalizes election fraud involving vote counting with enhanced penalties.
– House Bill 5629 eases occupational licensing barriers for veterans and their spouses.
For a complete list of bills signed by Governor Abbott, additional information can be accessed online.
