Laws available for this jurisdiction in plain English.
Texas allows for a no-fault divorce based on "insupportability," meaning the marriage has become insupportable due to discord or conflict of personalities that prevents any reasonable expectation of reconciliation.
Texas is a community property state, but in a divorce, the court divides the community estate of the parties in a "just and right" manner, which does not necessarily mean an equal 50/50 split.
Texas courts often implement a Standard Possession Order (SPO), which provides detailed schedules for conservators (parents) to have possession of children, unless it is not in the child's best interest.
Texas law provides specific guidelines for calculating child support, typically based on a percentage of the obligor's net resources, adjusted for the number of children and other factors.
Texas courts can issue protective orders against a person who has committed family violence, prohibiting them from committing further violence, harassing the victim, or coming within a certain distance.
It is illegal to possess an open alcoholic beverage container in a vehicle's passenger area on a public highway in Texas.
Allows individuals 21 and older who can legally possess a firearm to carry a handgun in public (concealed or in a holster) without a state-issued permit.
Texas law recognizes the 'Castle Doctrine,' meaning there is no duty to retreat before using deadly force if you are in your home, vehicle, or place of business.
Possession of 'dangerous wild animals' (tigers, lions, bears, etc.) requires a certificate of registration from the local animal control authority.
Dog owners can be charged with a felony if their dog causes serious bodily injury or death in an unprovoked attack outside the dog's secure enclosure.
Prohibits the use of fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading representations and provides for a surety bond requirement for agencies.
Plaintiffs must serve an expert report for each defendant physician or health care provider within 120 days of filing a suit.
A state law that expands HIPAA protections, applying to any individual or entity that handles sensitive personal health information in Texas.
Limits the amount of money a plaintiff can recover for non-monetary losses like pain and suffering.
Governs the rights of patients to make decisions regarding life-sustaining treatments and end-of-life care.
Named after David Molak, this law classifies cyberbullying as a misdemeanor and allows schools to investigate and intervene in cyberbullying incidents that occur off-campus if they affect the school environment.
Lists specific lawful and unlawful 'capturing of images' by drones over private property.
Permit holders (LTC) may carry concealed handguns on the campuses of public universities, subject to specific 'gun-free' zones designated by the institution.
Strictly prohibits landlords from using 'self-help' methods to evict tenants, such as changing locks, removing doors, or shutting off utilities.
Unique to Texas, deadly force may be justified to prevent the imminent commission of arson, burglary, robbery, or theft during the nighttime, or to prevent a suspect from fleeing with property.
Texas law prohibits the use of heavy chains for tethering dogs and requires owners to provide adequate shelter, shade, and clean water for outdoor dogs.
Motorcyclists are prohibited from operating between lanes of traffic or sharing a lane with another vehicle, with specific exceptions for police officers.
Drivers must stop and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks if the pedestrian is in the same half of the roadway or approaching closely from the opposite side.
By operating a motor vehicle in a public place, you automatically consent to a breath or blood test if arrested for DWI.
Texas law presumes a person's use of force is reasonable if someone is unlawfully and with force entering or attempting to enter the person's occupied habitation, vehicle, or place of business.
Mandates that landlords install and maintain specific security hardware on all residential rental units without the tenant needing to ask.