Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Texas’ Year-End Laws Take Effect Dec. 4, Reshaping Schools, Capitol Rules and Public Facilities

Legal fights over redistricting leave parts of the rollout uncertain.

Overview

  • House Bill 8 replaces the STAAR exam with three shorter through‑year assessments, with most provisions activating Dec. 4 and the new testing model starting next school year.
  • House Bill 18 imposes stiffer penalties for breaking quorum, including harsher fines, fundraising limits during walkouts, and loss of seniority and committee posts.
  • House Bill 7 authorizes civil lawsuits against manufacturers and distributors of abortion‑inducing drugs sent to or from Texas, while shielding people who take the medication from being sued.
  • Senate Bill 8 restricts access to bathrooms and other private facilities in public buildings based on sex assigned at birth, with fines of $25,000 for a first violation and $125,000 for subsequent violations.
  • The new congressional map is slated to take effect the same day, though the U.S. Supreme Court has only temporarily restored it while the justices consider a final ruling.