The beginning of 2012 has seen the institution of several new laws that will affect people all throughout the state of Texas.
One new state law makes spouses of veterans exempt from paying property taxes on their homes. Texas law already exempts property taxes for veterans who are disabled from service-related injuries. Texas has about 25 thousand veterans classified as 100% disabled.
New state laws require all college students attending school in Texas to get a meningitis shot. Texas is the first state to approve such a law, which requires students to have had the meningitis vaccine within the last five years. The law applies to all public and private universities, as well as community and junior colleges.
New Braunfels’ residents are no longer able to take disposable containers on the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers with the new “Can Ban” legislation now in effect. Violators of the new law could pay a fine of up to $500. A handful of local businesses against the banning of disposable containers from the rivers have filed a lawsuit.
In Abilene there are two Division III and one Division II universities, that’s a lot of students who could be affected by a new Texas law that requires all college students under the age of 30 to show proof they’ve received the bacterial meningitis vaccine.
Originally only students who lived on campus had to have the vaccine.
Now, every newly enrolled, transfer or student who’s taken a semester off must provide proof they’ve been vaccinated within the last five years no later than 10 days prior to the first day of the 2012 semester.
One of the new laws set for this year is how foreclosures are handled. While there hasn’t been any major change to the foreclosure laws of Texas, the new law does affect how homeowners associations must act when a home is under threat of foreclosure. Homeowners that are working towards paying their HOA dues, late fees or payments will now have three to 18 months to resolve these debts before the Homeowners Association can pursue further action. HOA’s will also be required to obtain a court order before pursuing foreclosure on a property. The new law also grants homeowners the right to contact their HOA directly about their debts even if the HOA has secured an attorney or representative. Find a Dallas, Texas Bankruptcy Attorney here.
For a complete list of new laws in effect as of January 1, visit here
With help from MyFoxAustin.com
