AUSTIN, Texas (KLTV) – The start of the new year means dozens of new Texas laws are now in effect. The changes have wide-ranging impacts on our state’s education system, law enforcement, housing and more.
One new law now in effect is Senate Bill 38, which allows law enforcement to remove squatters and trespassers from private property more quickly without the need for lengthy civil court proceedings. The move is aimed at keeping vases from clogging the court systems, while still protecting the rights of legal tenants.
New D.W.I. laws are also in effect. Though not every violation is affected, lawmakers have approved increased punishments for certain D.W.I. offenses.
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One of the most significant changes involves manslaughter cases, where more than one person is killed. That charge is now elevated from a first-degree felony to a second-degree felony. The new classification carries a possible sentence of 50 to 99 years in prison, and a fine of up $10K.
Senate Bill 8 is also now a law, requiring all local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with U.S. federal immigration authorities including I.C.E. The law focuses on tasking local jail staff with identifying undocumented immigrants and give deputies the authority to investigate people they suspect might be undocumented during daily interactions. Officers stress the measure is another way to ensure people in the state are following the law, and is not intended to target anyone.
The state is also outlining how artificial intelligence can be used by local governments. The “Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act” emphasizes human oversight and mandates A.I. training for employees on when to use A.I.
These are just a few of the new laws that will shape local law enforcement and other government agencies across the state this year. For a complete list of laws taking effect in the Lone Star State this year, click here.
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