By PAULINA MATA/Staff Writer
On Sept. 1, over 770 new Texas laws went into effect. The entire list of bills can be found on the Texas.gov website. Here are a few of the most notable laws, which range from anti-discrimination to animal protection.
The CROWN Act – HB 567
The Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act, or CROWN for short, bans discrimination in schools, workplaces and housing against race-based hair textures or protective hairstyles. “Protective hairstyles” includes braids, locks and twists.
Service Animals – HB 4164
Intentionally presenting a pet as a service animal if they are not trained or certified as one is now illegal. The maximum fine for this offense is $1,000 and 30 hours of community service. Furthermore, a person who abuses or neglects their service animal is subject to seizure of the animal.
Gender Affirming Care for Minors – SB 14
Gender affirming surgeries for minors is now prohibited by SB 14. Transgender minors are also unable to access puberty blockers and hormone therapies. The law was blocked for being potentially unconstitutional and discriminatory, according to KERA News, but the Texas Supreme Court ruled it to go into effect while the case plays out.
Save Women’s Sports Act – SB 15
Senate Bill 15 prohibits college athletes from competing in a sport that is the opposite sex of their biological sex, no matter their sexual identity. Female athletes may still participate on a men’s team, however, if there is no corresponding women’s team.
COVID-19 Mandates – SB 29
The state can no longer enact mask or vaccine requirements in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, the state cannot implement business or school closures. Exceptions to SB 29 include nursing homes or assisted living centers, prisons and hospitals.
Puppy Mill Bill – SB 876
Dog and cat breeders now require a license if the breeder possesses over 5 female animals used for breeding. Previously, a breeder had to have over 11 breeding animals to require a license.
