Cypress South September 2017

FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS IN
CYPRESS, KATY & WEST HOUSTON... CALL US!
JUST LISTED
JUST REDUCED
Andrea Wiley
713-825-7858
andrea@AndreaWiley.net
Bridgeland
17230 Red Oak Bend
SOLD
Cypress Creek Lakes
10202 Hartfi eld Bluff Ln.
.
,
.
Monica Sinha
832-265-4645
msinha360@gmail.net
Copperfield
15922 Knolls Lodge Dr.
This could be your home!
Call today!
23800 Northwest Frwy #101
Cypress, Texas 77429
Each office independently owned and operated
NEW LAWS IN
TEXAS EFFECTIVE
IN 2017
The Texas legislature met from
January through May and passed
several new laws as well as
changed laws that will go into
effect in 2017. They range from
texting while driving, drones, to
swords, to protecting good Samaritans. Below are a few laws that are
effective immediately or going into effective September 1 st .
Texting While Driving
Effective September 1 st , there will be a statewide band on texting
while driving. The bill bans drivers from texting while a vehicle is
moving, making it a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine ranging
from $25 to $99, with penalties up to $200 for repeat offenders. The
law allows drivers to use their phones for GPS and would not allow
violators to be fined under both state law and local ordinances.
People Allowed to Carry Swords
People can carry bowie knives, swords, daggers and spears in public
under a law that goes into effect September 1 st . Current law allows
people to carry knives no more than 5.5 inches long. While it will be
okay to carry the larger weapons in public, it is illegal to take into
bars, schools, colleges, churches, sporting events and numerous other
facilities.
Amnesty for Sex Assault Witnesses
Students who witness and report a sexual assault while they are
involved in illegal activity, such as drinking, would be given amnesty.
Recording Higher Ed Sex Assaults Electronically
Effective immediately, this law will allow college employees and
students to submit electronic and anonymous reports of sexual
assaults to their institutions.
Ridesharing Returns
Last year some ridesharing companies, like Uber and Lyft, were
mandated to fingerprint drivers before they could pick up customers
in their cities. Effective immediately, this new law, bans cities from
enforcing similar measures on these types of ridesharing companies.
28
Cheaper to Carry a Gun
Effective September 1 st the fees for carrying a gun in Texas are now
cheaper under Senate Bill 16. The law lowers fees for a first-time
license to carry a handgun from $140 to $40 and the renewal fee is also
reduced from $70 to $40.
Be Careful Where You Fly your Drone
Effective September 1 st the state has banned unmanned aircraft, like
drones, over correctional and United States Immigration, Customs
Enforcement detention facilities and large sports venues. Exceptions
include unmanned aircraft authorized by a law enforcement agency or
with the permission of the operator of the sports venue.
David’s Law
The new state law on cyber bullying makes it a Class A misdemeanor to
harass or cyberbully someone under age of 18 through text messages,
social media, websites or other means with the intent to cause them to
commit suicide or harm to themselves.
Voter ID changes
If don’t have a valid photo id, voters will be able to cast their ballots if
they show some other documentation with their name and home address
(Bank statement or Utility bill). Voters would also need to sign an affidavit
saying there is a good reason they don’t have a valid photo ID.
No More Straight-Ticket Voting
Straight ticket voting is out! Voters will no longer be allowed to cast
their ballot for an entire slate of Republican or Democratic candidates.
You will now have to vote for each candidate individually.
Lottery Winners
Effective September 1 st . Individuals who win prizes of at least $1
million can choose to remain anonymous and prohibit the release of
all personal information to the public.
Civil Protections for Good Samaritans
Effective September 1 st a new law protects good Samaritans from
civil lawsuits if they break in a vehicle if they have reason to belief the
person is in imminent harm, has first notified 911, uses appropriate
amount of force and remains with the individual in a safe location. This
replaces current law that leaves good Samaritan open to civil suits.
No More Suspensions for Young Students
Effective immediately. Schools can no longer suspend students below
third grade. Instead public schools need to discipline children in a way
that enforces positive behavior.
September 2017 | Cypress Community Newsletter