New laws go into effect Sept. 1 in Texas

DALLAS - It’s the first day of September and that means new laws go into effect in Texas.

Among the 700 new laws taking effect Tuesday is one that allows Texans to use a concealed handgun license as a valid form of ID.

Law enforcement agencies can apply to the governor’s office for grants for body cameras.

The Dallas Police Department will take advantage of the law and issue about 75 body cams to officers mostly in the Central Patrol Division.

Some epilepsy patients can now get cannabis oil by prescription. It’s the state’s first concession on medical marijuana, but other new laws will strengthen synthetic marijuana restrictions.

Truancy is no longer a crime in the state. Educators said the threat of a fine and criminal record was not keeping children in school.

Texas is ending the "pick-a-pal" grand jury system, which critics said created conflicts of interest.

Elected officials accused of ethics crimes will now be tried in their home counties and it will be a crime to use a drone on Capitol grounds.

Also, "revenge porn," or posting explicit pictures of ex-lovers online, becomes a crime and a new law puts more interlock devices on vehicles of those accused of drunken driving.

LINKS

www.DallasPA.org
www.madd.org
https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense/alr.htm
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/driverlicense/ignitioninterlock.htm

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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