New Texas Laws Effective September 1st
Many new laws passed during the recent Texas Legislative Session take effect September 1, 2019. A smattering of interesting new measures:
Beer to go and alcohol delivery: Texans will now be allowed to purchase their favorite craft beers while at the brewery. Another new measure will allow Texas’ 10,000 beer and wine retailers to deliver goods right to customers’ doors.
Stop telephone scammers: Two new laws aim to stop telemarketers from using familiar looking Caller ID numbers to call your cell phone.
Pets on the patio: Dogs and their owners soon will be able to dine together on restaurant patios across the state.
For a list of the 820 measures effective 9-1-19, click here.
Texas Vaccine Exemption Rates
Texas is one of 16 states that allows parents to bypass vaccine requirements for enrolling their kids in school by claiming a conscientious exemption, along with citing medical or religious concerns. With school starting soon, the Texas Tribune has published a tool to look up your district or private school to see how exemption rates have changed across the state. Click here to check your district’s rate.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Appointments
Governor Greg Abbott recently announced his appointments to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, which manages and conserves the natural and cultural resources of Texas. James Abell, Jeff Hildebrand and Bobby Patton were named new commission members with terms expiring February 1, 2025; Anna Benavides Galo was reappointed to the commission through February 1, 2021; and Reed Morian was named chair. To learn more about these appointees, click here.
Dig out the Uggs, Pumpkin Spice Lattes are Coming!
‘Tis the season…pumpkin spice lattes will return to Starbucks’ menus Tuesday, August 27, the chain’s earliest launch date ever. Not to be outdone, Dunkin’ Donuts announced its fall menu will launch next Wednesday, August 21. Clearly, these coffee shop executives have never lived in Texas! For more PSL fun facts, click here.
Only in Austin…
The LBJ Presidential Library might be a good place to cool off before making your first PSL run of the season. Motown: The Sound of Young America is a GRAMMY Museum-curated exhibit on site through January 26th that promises to be worth a visit. It’s billed as the first major museum exhibition to embrace all facets—music, culture and politics—of the 1960s biggest sounds in soul. The library is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM and offers free parking nearby. For more information, click here.