(KYTX) - Twenty-one Texas laws went into effect on January 1st. Here's a look at some of the ones that may affect you.
For Veterans
A new Texas law now in effect gives a big property tax break for disabled veterans families. Texas already exempts veterans declared 100 percent disabled from paying property taxes on their home. From now on, the exemption will apply to spouses after the veteran dies.
"A spouse who has been a care giver for many years loses their spouse, which is difficult enough, and then they are put in a position where they might not be able to stay in that home so this bill prevents those changes," Anne Woods with Hope for the Warriors said.
Woods calls the new law a victory for veterans families.
"It really shows and acknowledges the service and the sacrifices of the entire family," she said.
The state has about 25,000 veterans classified as 100 percent disabled.
If a vet is serving overseas, and or some reason the veterans home is being foreclosed on, another new law requires better communication about the foreclosure process with him or her, and requires the veteran to be notified of legal help available to them.
Homeowners Association Protection
Homeowners who pay association fees get new protections from those aggressive homeowner associations that may try to foreclose on your homes. The new restrictions require the associations to give homeowners three to 18 months to pay off those late dues or fines.
Day Care Requirements
The state wants your kiddos who go to day care to be extra protected. Senate bill 265 requires those who own, operate or work in a day care facility to receive more formalized training.
Meningitis Vaccine Law
College students before you start the spring semester, you better have your meningitis vaccine.
Beginning in January 2012, the following students will be required to provide documentation of the vaccination for bacterial meningitis prior to completing the registration process.
- All first-time students who are younger than 30 years old
- All transfer students younger than 30 years old
- Students (younger than 30) who have previously attended college but were not enrolled during the fall 2011 semester
Exemptions
According to the University of Texas at Tyler website there are exemptions for some students.
Automatic exemptions apply to students who are 30 years of age or older and students taking only online or other distance education classes. The full academic program must be offered online to qualify.
Other students have the right to claim an exemption by submitting one of the following:
- an affidavit or a certificate signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice in the United States stating, in the physician's opinion, the vaccination required would be injurious to your health and well-being.
- a signed affidavit stating you decline the vaccination for bacterial meningitis for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. A conscientious exemption form from the Texas Department of State Health Services must be used. http://webds.dshs.state.tx.us/immco/affidavit.shtm. (This exemption may be a lengthy process. Please plan accordingly.)
Photo ID Law
A law that would require voters to show a photo ID is also set to go into effect. However, its pending approval by the Federal Justice Department to ensure it will not violate the Federal Voting Rights Act.
For a full list of all the bills that are now in effect click below.
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/Reports/Report.aspx?LegSess=82R&ID=effectivejan1
