Lynching of ‘Santa’ one element of new laws
Ignorance is odd. Sometimes it’s bliss. But in a courtroom we’re told it’s no excuse.
As a law-abiding Texan, you’re expected to know every law on the books. Seems like a lot of homework, but that’s the fact, Jack. With that in mind, I refer you to my all-knowing colleague Chuck Lindell’s recent story about the 700 or so new Texas laws that took effect Sept. 1.
Quick side note: A belated happy fiscal new year to all. State government advanced to fiscal 2018 on Sept. 1 after a wild night of Fiscal New Year’s Eve debauchery by those party animals at the Legislative Budget Board.
Back to the new laws. Lindell told you about important new laws such as no more texting while driving. He also told you of the lifting of bans on hunting feral hogs and coyotes from hot air balloons and on open carry of daggers, stilettos, Bowie knives, swords, spears, throwing knives and any instrument with a blade longer than 5½ inches. (Caution: I’d be careful about daggers, stilettos, Bowie knives, swords, spears, throwing knives, etc., on hot air balloons.)
I’m here to tell you about laws we shall lump under the heading “other.” Included will be a reference to the only state historical marker I’m aware of that mentions the lynching of Santa Claus. You know you want to hear about a state historical marker that refers to the lynching of Santa Claus. Stay tuned.
First, thanks to a new law proffered by Reps. Donna Howard, D-Austin, and Paul Workman, R-Austin, Our Fair City now has the official state botanical garden and arboretum. We’re not getting a new facility, but House Bill 394 designates the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center as the official state botanical garden and arboretum.
Another new law you’re responsible for knowing sets new rules for guns and bows and arrows near the Canadian River in Potter County.
“Interested parties contend that civilians are discharging firearms and shooting arrows from bows in and on the beds and banks of a certain portion of the Canadian River and that the bullets and arrows are crossing into private property,” says the legislative analysis of HB 1771.
The new law places weapons restrictions “on the bed or bank of the segment of the