Senate Bill 4, which became law Feb. 6, creates a 10-year minimum prison sentence for smuggling humans and a five-year minimum sentence for harboring undocumented immigrants in “stash houses.”
Texas added $2.5 million for state tobacco control programs in 2023. However, advocates say programs do not reach enough Texans, and tobacco retailers are not held accountable.
The court sided with bookstores and publishing groups that argued House Bill 900 violated their freedom of speech and would cause “irreparable” financial harm for vendors.
With the new year comes new Texas laws. From tax exemptions to a ban on diversity offices at public universities, here is a look at several new state laws that took effect on New Year’s Day.
State lawmakers have approved over $1 billion for a three-part plan to construct several new buildings for state employees and expand an outdoor pedestrian mall. The second phase of the plan is set to be completed in 2026.