Spate of new laws effective Jan. 1

After the Texas Legislature spent much of 2023 in session, a bevy of new laws go into effect on New Year’s Day, though some have been delayed by lawsuits challenging their constitutionality.

Misdemeanor Arrests

• Jay Barton English, 40, Higgins; warrant for harassment; 12/21/23; HCSO

• Timothy Ray Williams, 60, Canadian; driving while intoxicated; 12/22/23; TXDPS-Canadian

Felony Arrests

• None

Citations

Legal groups sue to stop new immigration law

The ink was barely dry on a law signed by Gov. Greg Abbott that makes unauthorized entry into the United States a state crime before a lawsuit was filed by civil rights groups and El Paso County challenging its constitutionality. The Austin American-Statesman reported the suit was filed in an Austin federal court by the ACLU and two immigrant advocacy groups on behalf of the county.

AUSTIN – December has been a very busy month for inspectors in RRC’s Critical Infrastructure Division (CID). Starting in early December inspectors began weatherization inspections at hundreds of critical natural gas facilities in different regions of the state to ensure gas supply is protected for Texans this winter season.