New State Laws Taking Effect in Texas Starting January 1, 2024
The State of Texas is gearing up for 30 new state laws to take effect starting January 1, 2024. These laws cover a wide range of topics, from Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs to property tax relief, e-cigarettes, HOAs, and identifying at-risk children.
One of the most controversial laws set to take effect is the ban on DEI offices at publicly funded colleges and universities. This means that these institutions will no longer be allowed to have dedicated DEI offices, and employees will have to be reassigned. Additionally, schools are prohibited from requiring DEI training and ideological oaths. Administrators will also be required to testify before state legislative committees to ensure compliance with the law.
In terms of property tax relief, small and medium-sized businesses will benefit from a doubling of the franchise tax exemption to nearly $2.5 million dollars. This means that 67,000 businesses will no longer have to pay the franchise tax and won’t have to file a franchise tax return.
Another important law will crack down on the marketing of e-cigarettes to minors. Businesses or individuals who market, advertise, or sell e-cigarette products to children using cartoon-like characters, celebrities, or images of candy or juice will face a class “B” misdemeanor.
HOAs will also be impacted by a new law that requires them to adopt formal and transparent policies on how they levy fines and other violations against property owners. These policies must be shared with each property owner and posted on the association’s website.
Lastly, a new law will provide more opportunities for identifying troubled and at-risk children. Local governments will now be allowed to adopt youth diversion plans for children accused of class “C” misdemeanors, offering programs at the beginning of the case rather than after conviction.
For more information on these laws and others taking effect on January 1st, follow Jack Fink on Twitter or visit the State Legislature website. Stay tuned for updates on how these new laws will impact the state of Texas.
