The 86th Legislature passed several New Laws that take effect beginning Sept 1, 2019

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The 86th Legislature passed several New Laws that take effect beginning Sept 1, 2019

New Texas laws go into effect this Sunday, Sept. 1, which were passed by the Texas Legislature earlier this year. Here are a few of the big ones.

Tobacco: Customers purchasing tobacco must be 21 years old and that includes both cigarettes and e-cigarettes. The law does not apply to those in the military or to those born on or before August 31st, 2001. Violators will face a misdemeanor and up to $500 fine.

CBD: A bill legalized hemp farming and the sale and possession of hemp-derived CBD oil containing less than .3% of THC, the compound that produces a 'high' in marijuana. All stores who want to sell hemp or CBD products must register with the state.

Cough medicine: You'll now have to be 18 to buy over-the-counter cough medicine. Lawmakers were concerned some medicines have an ingredient used by teenagers to get high. Texas is the 19th state to raise the minimum.

Surcharges: All DRP surcharge suspensions will end. After September 1, 2019 all surcharge assessments will be waived and no future surcharges will be assessed after. You will still be responsible for any other suspensions, fines or fees on your driving record.

Indecent Digital Exposure: It is now illegal for someone to send you nude photos you never asked for. People who send unsolicited nudes can be hit with a $500 fine.

Brass knuckles: You can soon carry brass knuckles. Up until now--they've been banned. But the representative who sponsored the bill says he wants people to be able to protect themselves.

Porch pirates: People who steal packages off front porches could go to prison with a new law that makes it a felony to steal mail, including packages, postcards, etc.

Hunting/fishing license: People can now show their hunting and fishing license on their digital device.

Beer to-go: Craft breweries can now sell up to a case of beer per customer, per day, to go.

Lemonade stands: Children's unlicensed lemonade stands won't be regulated if they're selling on private property.

Alcohol delivery: Restaurants, bars or businesses with a permit can deliver alcohol with food to homes or other locations.

Guns: Many laws relating to guns were approved this session. Some include: guns will be allowed in school parking lots, leases to rent a apartment or house can't ban guns, people can have a gun during a natural disaster without a license to carry and home owners associations can't restrict gun ownership.

School marshals: No limit on the amount of school marshals a school can have.

These Texas laws and many more go into effect Sunday.

Note: The Hemp Farming bill has nothing to do with marijuana. Marijuana is still illegal in Texas and MPD will still enforce the laws related to possession of marijuana.