Texas Governor Signs 13 Bills into Law
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed 13 bills into law, marking the end of the state’s summer legislative session. The bills cover a range of topics, including education, abortion, and healthcare.
Education Reform
One of the notable bills signed into law is the one that eliminates the STAAR test, a standardized exam used to evaluate the performance of Texas public schools and their students. Instead, students will take three shorter tests at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year. This change is aimed at reducing the stress and pressure associated with a single, high-stakes test. The new testing system will be implemented starting from the 2027-28 school year.
Abortion Restrictions
Abbott also signed a bill that tightens abortion restrictions in Texas. The bill, known as House Bill 7, allows private citizens to sue out-of-state providers of abortion pills for $100,000 or more. This move is expected to limit access to abortion medications, which are already banned in Texas except in cases where a woman’s life or health is at risk.
Healthcare Changes
In a move that has sparked controversy, Abbott signed a bill that allows pharmacies to sell ivermectin, an anti-parasite medication, over the counter. Ivermectin has been touted as an alternative treatment for COVID-19, despite concerns from medical researchers and health organizations about its effectiveness and safety. The governor has expressed support for making ivermectin more widely available, and the bill was sponsored by a Republican representative.
Other Signed Bills
In addition to the above-mentioned bills, Abbott signed several other measures into law. These include:
- A bill that prevents lawmakers from accepting campaign donations while absent from an ongoing legislative session
- A bill that offers new legal protections to victims of human trafficking
- A bill that creates property tax exemptions for nonprofits
- Bills that update the state’s court system and make certain types of real estate theft and fraud more difficult
Conclusion
The signing of these 13 bills marks a significant milestone in Texas’s legislative session. The new laws cover a range of topics, from education and abortion to healthcare and real estate. While some of the bills have been met with controversy and criticism, they are expected to have a significant impact on the lives of Texans. As the state moves forward, it will be important to monitor the effects of these new laws and ensure that they are serving the best interests of the people of Texas.
