What Texas Laws Went Into Effect In September?

Some laws went into effect this September 1 in Texas, including one limiting children’s access to social media and another protecting survivors of dating violence. Here are all the Texas laws that went into effect this Sept. 1.

House Bill 18 also known as the Securing Children Online Through Parental Empowerment Act or SCOPE Act was one of the laws that went into effect at the beginning of the month. The law aims to enhance consumer protection online.

A judge temporarily blocked half of the bill aimed at monitoring and filtering products selled online. However, it went into effect and the other half aimed to supervise children’s usage of social media. For now, social media sites need a parent or a guardian’s consent before a minor can create an account. Companies also must give parents the ability to supervise their children in the social media platforms.

Senate Bill 1841 allows victims of dating violence access to family violence centers. It is aimed to protect people who suffered physical or emotional abuse during a dating relationship. People who also received threats may access family violence centers.

House Bill 1710 mandates that the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to notify a judge if a defendant has served 75 days.

Senate Bill 241 mandates that drug manufacturers must give written notice if there are no generic or biosimilar options to customers.

House Bill 4510, according to KHOU 11, changes how agencies and public colleges report financial information to the government.

In addition, more laws will go into effect next January 1, 2025, when the next Texas legislature will be established.