September 1 is fast approaching, and that means hundreds of new laws will go into effect in Texas. Governor Greg Abbott passed over 1,000 House and Senate Bills from a total 7,324 that were filed according to the Legislative Deference Library of Texas..
"We told our fellow Texans that we were going to work together, side by side, every single day to solve the problems that Texans face. We have lived up to that commitment," said Governor Abbott.
One of the bills is Senate Bill 21, which raises the legal smoking age from 18 to 21 with the exception of military personnel.
Another one is SB 1223,which allows qualified beer and wine retailers to make alcohol deliverers, and allows Texans to leave breweries with craft beer.
The owner of Bare Arms Brewing says this will help his business tremendously. "I believe 49 out of 50 states allow brewery-to-go so it was a matter of time but it's all well overdue."
And Governor Abbott agrees. "I signed a bill allowing beer to go in Texas," said Governor Abbott.
It doesn't end there. Texas law makers also passed 9 gun-related bills. One of them states that gun owners will be allowed to carry handguns in places of worship and where it was previously illegal to carry unless otherwise notes.
Senate Bill 11, regarding school safety, states that school safety measures will strength mental health initiatives.
Senate Bill 2, a property tax reform, will require voter approval when local governments want to increase their property tax revenue by more than 3.5%.
Senate Bill 1978, regarding religious freedom, will prevent government entities from taking action against people or businesses based on their religion.
