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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
No flood-related bills on first day of Texas special session filing
AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Lawmakers head back to the Texas State Capitol in just one week to begin a special session with flood regulation and relief at the top of the agenda. But among the 82 bills filed thus far, none mention the deadly July 4 floods. So far, the bills filed predominantly focus on election law, property tax reform, abortion, fiscal transparency and campaign finance. Only bills that relate to topics added to the agenda by Gov. Greg Abbott are permitted to be filed. Two of the most noteworthy items added to Abbott's agenda were related to the floods and to congressional redistricting, though no bills on those topics have been filed yet. Here is a detailed look at the bills filed Monday. House Bill 85, as well as HJR 6 and 7, propose bills and constitutional amendments to clarify the attorney general's authority in prosecuting election-related offenses. Constitutional amendments require passage of two-thirds of the legislature and the subsequent approval of voters on the November ballot. HB 40, 50, 67 and 68 raise the threshold for some tax and bond elections to pass, increase transparency about how much bonds will cost taxpayers and require that bond elections be held on the November general election date. HB 49 would prevent those who donate to a political committee which supports the bond's passage from receiving any of the bond amounts. HB 52 would change the dates of state and local elections to be held separately from federal elections. HB 73 would allow Texans to register to vote online through a secure portal. If the bill passes, Texas would join 43 other states and the District of Columbia with online voter registration. HB 80 would mandate that the registrar inform a voter registration applicant of where they made a mistake if their application is rejected. HB 31 requires anyone elected or appointed to public office to be a U.S. citizen. Rep. Brian Harrison, R-Midlothian, filed a slew of property tax bills for the special session. The most targeted bill filed so far on property tax reform is HJR 8, which would abolish property taxes altogether. This would require a two-thirds majority of the House and Senate and ultimately would need to be approved by voters in November. HB 45 would create a committee to study how to abolish property taxes. HB 43 would change how property taxes are calculated and would require voter approval if local governments raise them. HB 48 would require ballot measures that increase property taxes to include language that clearly states 'THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.' Harrison's HB 47 would require municipalities to use any surplus funds in their budgets to lower residents' property taxes or pay back existing debts, like bonds. Rep. Mike Schofield, R-Katy, introduced property tax relief bills aimed at vulnerable or financially struggling groups. HB 57 and HJR 10 would aim to cap property taxes for older persons and the disabled. HB 53 would lower the interest rate of property taxes charged to older people and the disabled. HB 34, 39, 62 and 71 all attempt to lower property taxes for schools and instead utilize funds from the state's budget surplus. HB 41 and 60 would repeal and limit some property taxes for schools, replacing them with a value-added tax. HB 82 would change how average school enrollment is calculated for school funding purposes. HB 55 would exclude homestead exemptions when calculating tax rates for state funding, intending to lower tax rates for certain jurisdictions. HB 35 would create ballot language to make clear the fiscal impact of any constitutional amendment. HB 60 would require any governing body to have a supermajority of votes in favor of creating a tax rate or general obligation bond. HB 54 would prevent a political subdivision from proposing the creation of a general obligation bond for voter approval if that same bond was already rejected by voters within the previous five years. HB 90 and HJR 13 would exclude the value of newly built or renovated homes when assessing the value of homes which are at least 30 years old. Though abortion is already nearly completely illegal in Texas under most circumstances, lawmakers filed several abortion-related bills, most of them to further restrict the procedure. HB 37 and 65 would create civil penalties for anyone who distributes abortion medication, allowing private citizens to sue anyone who distributes or aides and abets the distribution. HB 66 and 95 take a similar approach, but also requires internet service providers to block access to any website that promotes abortion medication or that is operated by an entity which carries out abortion services, with enforcement solely through civil lawsuits. HB 69 would prevent doctors from providing abortion pills unless the woman is present in the state of Texas and is being examined by the doctor at the same time the pills are issued. HB 70 would make it a criminal offense, as well as a civil penalty of a minimum of $100,000, for transporting or funding a minor to leave the state or country to receive an abortion. HJR 12 would create a constitutional amendment to establish an individual's right to 'personal reproductive autonomy,' but is unlikely to pass in the Republican-controlled House. HB 63 and 89 propose spending limits on cities and counties in Texas. The key difference is how they calculate the spending cap. HB 63 would multiply population growth rate by the inflation rate, while HB 89 would add the two rates together. HB 44 and HJR 9 propose to limit the growth of state and local government spending and return over-collected taxpayer money by reducing taxes. HB 46, 56, 64, 83, 86 and 94 would place regulations on taxpayer-funded government entities hiring lobbyists, aiming to generally prevent those entities from doing so without transparency and restrictions. HB 87 would place similar restrictions on school districts. HB 72 and HJR 11 would expand Medicaid eligibility in Texas to cover all individuals who qualify for federal matching funds under the Affordable Care Act. HB 76 proposes implementing an 'express lane' option for children in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program in Texas. It would allow Texas to use information already provided by families in other public programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, rather than requiring a new application or full eligibility process. HB 38 would make it a civil penalty to discriminate against someone based on race, color, disability, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or pregnancy status for the purposes of employment, housing and public accommodations. HB 51 would ban allowing the state to assist school districts in repaying bonds. HB 92 proposes to reduce the number of state-required tests, eliminating assessments not required by federal law, including the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test. HB 74 would make part-time state employees, not including legislators, eligible for a pay raise of $10,000 over two years. HB 42 proposes to create a legal defense for people prosecuted for possessing certain hemp products that turn out to contain illegal substances. HB 81 would require the state to hire a private developer to create high-speed rail along Interstate 35, with stops in Dallas, Waco, Austin and San Antonio. HB 32, a so-called 'bathroom bill,' would require individuals to use the bathroom corresponding to their biological sex, punishable by a civil lawsuit. HB 91 proposes an act that aims to protect workers from heat-related illnesses. It would establish a heat illness prevention advisory board to help the Texas Workforce Commission develop standards. HB 58 creates the office of a state special prosecutor. HB 93 proposes the expansion of the jurisdiction of the County Court at Law in Atascosa County, Texas. HB 84 proposes a statewide order authorizing licensed pharmacists to dispense ivermectin without a health care practitioner's prescription order. HB 75 provides a one-time cost-of-living adjustment for retirees and beneficiaries of the Employee Retirement System of Texas, increasing their benefits to match inflation. HB 79 increases the minimum notice landlords must give tenants in an eviction order from three days to 14. HB 77 provides immunity from civil liability for individuals who break into a motor vehicle with an attempt to save a vulnerable person, such as a child, or domestic animal. HB 59 proposes to provide sheriffs and constables in counties exceeding 3.3 million residents with increased independence in delivering and overseeing contracted law enforcement services. HB 33 would provide a credit to developers for water impact fees if the development results in water reuse or conservation. HB 78 proposes to create a new state fund to address affordable housing and homelessness. The money would mostly be allocated to affordable rental housing, with the remaining funneled into rehousing homeless individuals and homelessness prevention. Just one senate bill was filed Monday, Senate Bill 21, which proposes expanding the enforcement of human trafficking awareness and prevention in commercial lodging establishments. Visit the Texas Legislature Online for an updated list of bills filed ahead of the 89th Legislature's special session Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Edmonton Oilers trade forward Sam O'Reilly for Tampa Bay Lightning forward Isaac Howard
(Image via Getty Images: Isaac Howard) The 21-year-old forward Isaac Howard shared with NHL Network, 'I want to win a national championship. I didn't play to win a Hobey. At the end of the day, I want to win a national championship. I think we are going to have the group to do it. It comes down to the tournament at the end of the year. We've just got to be ready and make sure we don't leave anything on the table.' The Edmonton Oilers were in the national championship. They went straight up to the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals. But lost it to the Florida Panthers. Their zeal was recognized and matched by Howard. Otherwise, it was not so easy for him to choose from so many, many teams. On May 8, Tampa Bay GM had put forth his views on Isaac Howard's contract challenges. What did he say? Let's find out. Isaac Howard and Tampa Bay Lightning GM Julien BriseBois could not come to terms for a very long time On June 29, Tampa Bay Lightning reporter Gabby Shirley tweeted what Julien BriseBois, Tampa Bay GM, spoke about Isaac Howard and his contract challenges: 'I actually spoke with his agent yesterday prior to the opening of the draft. We don't have anything right now. It's tricky because the teams that are willing to offer me something that I think would be worthwhile for our organization that actually makes us better and kind of fits with the plan we have for our organization, they haven't been able to agree to a contract with Isaac and the teams that he feels he can get a deal done with have not been able to get a deal done with me. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 80~105만원까지 누구나 받을 수 있는 지원금~! 봉자인터넷 I don't know how long this is going to take. We're perfectly comfortable waiting until the end. We know, worst case, we're getting a second-round pick out of this. If I can do better, that would be optimal for me. It would be way better for Isaac Howard because he should turn pro. That's in his best interest for his career's development. We are working with them to try to get that done but, as of now, we have not been able to.' 'Damn this kid is a nightmare': Fans find ice hockey forward Isaac Howard to be an entitled brat When Tampa Bay Lightning reporter Gabby Shirley tweeted about Howard's contract challenges, X users commented on it with unanimous reactions. One X user wrote, 'This kid is really entitled.' Another said, 'Bro thinks he's the next Gretzky.' A third X user commented, 'Sounds like a bit of an entitled brat not getting what he wants. Teams offering what the Bolts are looking for but can't get the kid to an agreement, teams he wants to go to don't want him or again can't come to an agreement. Glad he's not going to be apart of the Bolts.' A fourth fan penned, 'The kid must think he is a big shot already and hasn't stepped on NHL ice. I'm glad this fn loser won't be on the Lightning. Let's not forget despite his HB award he lost.' A fifth fan chimed in, 'Damn this kid is a nightmare. Good luck to whatever team gets him.' Edmonton Oilers part ways with forward Sam O'Reilly for Tampa Bay Lightning forward Isaac Howard The Edmonton Oilers announced on Tuesday night that they have acquired 21-year-old forward Isaac Howard from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for their forward Sam O'Reilly. Howard has skated in 37 games at Michigan State in 2024-2025. He accumulated 26 goals, 26 assists, and 52 points there. He went on to win a Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA's top player. Oilers said that Howard has agreed to a 3-year Entry Level Contract starting from the 2025-2026 NHL season. Tampa Bay picked Howard in the 2022 NHL Draft as their first-round 31st overall pick. Playing for them, Howard accumulated 34 goals, 54 assists, and 88 points in 73 games in two seasons. Also Read: Dallas Stars extend their longest-tenured captain Jamie Benn's stay by one year for $1 million | NHL News - Times of India Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Daily Mirror
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Home Bargains shoppers 'obsessed' with 'girly' range from £1.49
People were quick to fall in love with the latest bow-themed items available at affordable prices Home Bargains shoppers say they are 'obsessed' with the latest range of "girly" products landing in stores. For as little as £1.49, people can embrace a simple yet popular trend that is sweeping social media in many areas of their homes. TikTok user Kaitlin (@kaitlinbaileyx) posted the latest range of bow-inspired items added to the discount store's shelves. The trend has exploded online, with many retailers taking advantage of its popularity. Kaitlin claimed online that she was "obsessed" and said: "Girls don't walk, run to Home Bargains." She then included a string of photos taken during a shopping trip, during which she found items starting from as little as £1.49. The shopper found soap dispensers and drinkware, including mason jars with straws, ceramic mugs (£2.99), glass mugs (£1.49), and wine glasses (£3.99). Beyond the kitchen, fans of the pattern can embrace all things bow in the bedroom with a trendy duvet set that doesn't break the bank - if you can find it. The packaging showed that it came from The Lifestyle Edit range, with some items, such as the bathroom soap dispenser, tumbler, and tray (sold separately), available to buy online. However, others will be available in-store only. People were quite to jump into the comments section after spotting items that they "needed". One said: "I have the glass it's so cute." Another added: "I need all the girly stuff! Bow obsessed!" A third wrote: "Love this collection! Time for a long overdue Home Bargains visit!" Someone else posted: "As someone who is obsessed with pink, I'm coming to get it all!" But, one comment gave women a word of warning. An employee of the discount chain commented: "Guys be careful with the glassware, it's very fragile. I work at HB and a coworker dropped one the other day and it didn't break in pieces, it literally shattered into tiny little specs of glass. I'm talking like Demerara sugar size! Just be careful!" Other commented how they were unsuccessful at getting any in their local Home Bargains, with another staff member shedding a bit of light on why that might be. They said: "Home bargains worker here! We've been gradually getting it all the past few weeks after the bow pjs but some of these are only in our larger shops." Away from all things bow, Home Bargains has been impressing fans in other ways. The store recently added a fitness bundle to its shelves —ideal for gifting to anyone you know who's obsessed with exercise and hitting their protein goals. For £30, the Applied Nutrition Fitness Starter Pack (worth £50) includes a JD Gym 1 Day Guest Pass. There is also a range of goodies that are "tasty samples and top products to kickstart your fitness journey".
Miami Herald
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Fluoride ban, school start times, tax cuts: See the new Florida laws now in effect
With Gov. Ron DeSantis signing a state budget and a flurry of other bills, the dust has settled on the 2025 legislative session. Here are 10 laws that took effect Tuesday, the start of the 2025-2026 fiscal year: BALLOT INITIATIVES: A law (HB 1205) that places additional restrictions on the ballot-initiative process largely took effect Tuesday. Groups backing proposed constitutional amendments are fighting the law in federal court. BUDGET: DeSantis on Monday signed the budget (SB 2500), which he and legislative leaders said would help prepare the state in case of an economic downturn. DeSantis issued $567 million in line-item vetoes to the budget, which had a $115.1 billion bottom line when passed by the Legislature. FLUORIDE: A wide-ranging bill (SB 700) about issues involving the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bans the longstanding practice of local governments adding fluoride to water supplies. GULF OF AMERICA: Following the lead of President Donald Trump, the Republican-controlled Legislature approved a measure (HB 575) changing dozens of state laws to use the name 'Gulf of America' instead of 'Gulf of Mexico.' JUDGES: Lawmakers approved a bill (SB 2508) that calls for adding 22 circuit-court judges and 15 county-court judges across the state, while also making changes at two appeals courts. PUBLIC RECORDS: With lawmakers pointing to threats and harassment, a law (SB 268) will prevent release of the home addresses and telephone numbers of legislators, members of Congress, and numerous other state and local elected officials. SCHOOL START TIMES: Lawmakers passed a measure (SB 296) that backed away from a 2023 law that would have prevented high schools from starting earlier than 8:30 a.m. The 2023 law, which was designed to help teens get more sleep, was scheduled to take effect in 2026. STATE PARKS: After a public outcry last year about a development proposal, a new law (HB 209) will prevent the construction of golf courses, resort-style lodges and sports facilities in state parks. STUDENT CELL PHONES: Students will be prohibited from using cell phones throughout the school day in elementary and middle schools under a measure (HB 1105) that expands a restriction on using phones during instructional time. TAX CUTS: Parts of a tax-cut package (HB 7031) took effect Tuesday, including sales-tax exemptions on hurricane-preparedness supplies and certain purchases related to outdoor activities. Other parts, including eliminating a commercial-lease tax, will take effect later.
Miami Herald
30-06-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
Florida Laws Changing on July 1: From Condos To Dangerous Dogs
Over 100 new laws will come into effect from Tuesday in Florida, according to local media, concerning everything from health and property to animal welfare. Many are in response to observed issues concerning the health of student athletes as well as other threats to Floridians such as opioids and dangerous dogs. Drawn from media reports and state legislation, below are some of the most significant new laws taking effect in Florida from Tuesday. SB 1514: Anaphylaxis in Public and Charter Schools The bill, approved by Governor Ron DeSantis in May, requires each district and charter school board to ensure that adequate training is provided to school personnel regarding anaphylactic shocks-potentially life-threatening reactions to allergens. Training should ensure that school personnel are able to recognize the signs of anaphylaxis and know how to administer an epinephrine delivery device, or EpiPen. SB 1070: Electrocardiograms for Student Athletes The bill, also known as the "Second Chance Act," requires the Florida High School Athletic Association to increase the use of electrocardiogram (EKG) tests for student athletes and adopt policies barring students with abnormal EKGs from participating in sports without medical clearance. It mandates athletes to complete at least one screening before participating in interscholastic athletic competitions. It comes after a student from Port St. Joe High School student died while competing in a football game in September last year. HB 597: Diabetes Management in Schools The bill, referred to the House of Representative's educational and health subcommittees, aims to ensure schools are better equipped to handle diabetic emergencies. It authorizes schools to maintain stocks of undesignated glucagon, a medication used to treat severe hypoglycemia, authorizing flexible acquisition options such as via purchase, reduced pricing, free donation and transferred supplies that meet certain safety standards. It also requires that these glucagon supplies be kept in secure and easily accessible storage. HB 593: Dangerous Dogs The "Pam Rock Act" is aimed at regulating dangerous dogs and increasing the penalty for owners whose pets cause serious injury or death. The bill, unanimously passed in both chambers, was named after Pamela Rock, a woman killed in 2022 by a group of dogs with known histories of aggressive behaviour. HB 593 requires that dogs which have killed or seriously injured a human be confiscated, and that owners of dogs classified as dangerous obtain liability insurance of at least $100,000, microchip the dogs and securely confine them in suitable enclosures. HB 255: Aggravated Animal Cruelty Otherwise known as "Dexter's Law," this provides harsher sentences for individuals involved in aggravated cases of animal cruelty, while making it more likely that those found guilty of these crimes will go to prison. The bill was named after Dexter, a rescue dog who was adopted in 2024 and found beheaded in a public park days later. The bill will also create an online database of convicted animal abusers, allowing pet adoption services to screen applicants. HB 351: Dangerous Excessive Speeding This bill will impose harsher penalties and jail time for those who exceed speed limits by 50 miles per hour or more, or those who operate a vehicle at 100 mph or more "in a manner that threatens the safety of other persons or property or interferes with the operation of any vehicle." Those convicted of "dangerous excessive speeding" will face imprisonment of up to 30 days, a fine of $500 or both. Subsequent convictions will be punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine of $1,000 or both. HB 913: Condominium and Cooperative Associations The bill prohibits anyone whose community association manager (CAM) license is revoked from having any ownership interest in a community association management firm-a company contracted by a homeowner's association to handle the day-to-day management of a community-for a specified period. CAMS must also maintain up-to-date online accounts with Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation. SB 1388: Vessels The "Boater Freedom Act" is designed to safeguard access to Florida's waters and reduce regulatory impediments for boaters. It bars local government entities from banning gas-powered boats, prohibits authorities from conducting vessel inspections without probable case, and directs the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to proactively provide Florida Freedom Boater decals which will demonstrate to law enforcement that boaters have "taken the necessary steps to maintain proper safety requirements," per a statement on the governor's website. HB 279: False Reporting HB 279 aims to increase the penalties for those who misuse emergency communication services, specifically in cases where this results in serious harm or death. If found guilty of making false emergency calls-or "swatting"-individuals will have to pay restitution to victims as well as expenses incurred by law enforcement. SB 994: Driver License Education Requirements The bill requires that anyone aged 18 or older applying for a driver license must first complete a traffic law and substance abuse education course. Learner driver licenses may also be issued for anyone aged 15 who has completed an approved driver education course. HB 259: Special Observances HB 259 designates August 21 as Florida's Fentanyl Awareness & Education Day, encouraging schools to "sponsor events to promote awareness of dangers of fentanyl & potential overdoses" on this date. HB 549: Gulf of America This bill requires state agencies to rename the Gulf of Mexico in all geographic materials, reflecting the change adopted at the federal level earlier this year. The bill also mandates that public and charter schools adopt the new name in instructional and library materials after July 1. HB 209: State Land Management The legislation, also referred to as the "State Park Preservation Act," mandates that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) encourage the protection of the state's public lands for recreational use. HB 209, which passed both chambers unanimously, also encourages transparency from the DEP regarding the use of public lands with public hearings and publicly available electronic copies of land management plans for parcels of a certain size and those located in state parks. SB 700: Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Also known as the "Florida Farm Bill," this was signed into law by DeSantis in May. It introduces several departmental reforms, including expanded authority over hiring practices, giving the agency greater flexibility in staffing decisions. While it does not specifically mention the word fluoride, the bill bans "the use of certain additives in a water system" which do not meet strict new requirements. In effect, this will make Florida the second state after Utah to ban fluoride from public drinking water. Florida Representative Judson Sapp, who sponsored the Dangerous Dogs bill, said: "This bill addresses the rising number of attacks and fatalities caused by dangerous dogs in Florida by clearly defining what constitutes a dangerous dog, establishing a tracking system, and providing a process for removal when necessary. At the same time, it includes safeguards to prevent misidentification and protect responsible pet owners." Florida Representative Anne Gerwig, sponsor of the Special Observances bill, said: "Thousands of lives are lost every year due to opioid and fentanyl overdoses and this particularly affects our young adults and youth. Some lives are lost due to unintentional exposure including babies, young children and public servants that come into contact with this drug. The pain of addiction and the loss of lives due to fentanyl touches almost every family. "Bringing awareness of the dangers and hope for those that need it can change lives. By bringing attention to the fact that almost 60,000 lives were lost to fentanyl last year, we can spread awareness of this deadly crisis." Related Articles Disney Cruise Rescue As Child Falls Overboard, Father Jumps In: What To KnowTrump Admin Shares Meme of ICE Alligators Outside Florida Prison'Alligator Alcatraz' Faces Legal Challenge Days Before OpeningTrump Supporter Detained by ICE Thought Only Criminals Would Be Deported 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
