September 1st is a very important day, as it is the date many laws passed during the 84th Legislative Session go into effect. Below you will find a summary of a few of these laws. Unless otherwise noted, each new law goes into effect today, September 1, 2015.
Please note that the following is not a comprehensive list of all new laws passed by the Texas Legislature. For information regarding all new laws, please click on the following link — http://www.legis.state.tx.us/ — or contact our office.
Protecting Our Retirees
The state will increase its contributions to the Employee Retirement System (ERS), putting the fund closer to full financial health and strengthening retiree benefits.
Cracking Down On Human Trafficking
Human traffickers will face increased criminal and civil penalties; these include stricter felony counts and seizure of traffickers’ financial assets hidden behind shell corporations. Additional help and resources for trafficking victims will also be established.
Employer Requirements for Working Mothers
All public employers in Texas, such as school districts and state agencies, will now be required to provide accommodations for employees that need to pump breast milk at work. This will help retain talented employees by making workplaces more mother-friendly.
Faster Access to 911
Multiline telephone systems — like the ones in hotels and offices — where you would normally have to dial another number first to get an outside line, will now be required to have direct 911 dialing services.
Controlling Prescription Medicine Costs
The state will begin a pilot program allowing people to donate unused prescription medicine. This will help reduce waste while also making affordable stocks of prescription drugs available to those in need.