WEEKEND READ: Bills, bills, bills — Texas abortion, voter laws go into effect, spark outcry

AUSTIN (KXAN) – A list of new laws went into effect in Texas this week – and controversy ensued.

Here’s a look at the bills Texans and the U.S. are talking about.

Prohibition of the “critical race theory”

Although there is little to no evidence that the academic framework – the critical racial theory not a standardized, teachable class program – officially taught in Texas public schools, House bill 3979 schools forbid discussing current events or social issues with students.

According to the Washington Post, CRT harks back to 1970s legal practice and aimed to address the injustice in the way the legal system has treated people of color in the past.

Proponents of the CRT doctrine say it merely aims to outline how the American legal system and society at large have been marginalized by inherent white supremacy.

The authors in a Harvard analysis explain CRT identifies white privileges in an attempt to dismantle it. “Race,” they argue, does not even exist, but is created by those at the top of the hierarchy to keep those who are considered “lower” to themselves.

The bill also stipulates that teachers must present “different and contradicting perspectives” if they choose to address hot social issues.

Permitted wearing

Texans 21 and older are now allowed to carry firearms in public without a license. House bill 1927 does not apply to felons and there will continue to be exceptions for certain public places such as schools and airports.

Medical marijuana

All Texans with cancer are now eligible for medical marijuana treatment thanks to House bill 1535. People diagnosed with PTSD are also eligible.

The limit values ​​for THC in medicinal cannabis have also been raised from 0.5% to 1% by weight.

cancellation

Senate Bill 8 is one of the most controversial laws. The so-called “fetal heartbeat” law prohibits abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, before most women even know they are pregnant.

In addition, the law allows individuals, abortion providers, and individuals who help someone with an abortion procedure to sue. Those who are sued face fines of up to US $ 10,000.