New Texas Traffic Laws to Go Into Effect Sept 1, 2009
Filed under: Blog Entries, Community, Our Rights, Politics
Just wanted everyone to be aware of some new Texas Department of Public Safety related traffic laws approved by the legislature. I’ve listed a couple that I thought were pretty interesting and could cost you some money if caught. Be careful out there and drive safe.
HB 537 requires all occupants of a vehicle, no matter their age, to be secured by a safety belt, no matter where they are seated in the vehicle; changes the definition of a passenger vehicle to include a passenger van designed to transport 15 or fewer passengers including the driver; removes the current exemption for third-party Medicaid transportation provisions regarding the use of child passenger safety seats; and prohibits a motorcycle operator from carrying a passenger under the age of 5 unless the child is seated in a sidecar attached to the motorcycle.
SB 61 amends the existing statute regarding child passenger safety seats. The bill requires that any child younger than 8 years of age be restrained in an approved child passenger safety seat unless the child is at least 4 feet, 9 inches in height. The fine is no more than $25 for a first offense and $250 for a second offense. The law also creates a new court cost for conviction of an offense under this section to be collected and used by TxDOT to buy safety seats for low income families. The law becomes effective on Sept. 1, 2009, but tickets for this offense cannot be issued until June 1, 2010. Police officers are allowed to issue a warning before that date.
HB 55 makes it illegal to use a wireless communication device in a school zone unless the vehicle is stopped or a hands-free device is used. Cities or counties wanting to enforce this law must post a sign at the beginning of each school zone to inform drivers that using a wireless communications device is prohibited and the operator is subject to a fine. It is a defense to prosecution if the operator was making an emergency call.
HB 558 allows minors to be charged with public intoxication.
SB 554 makes it illegal to own or possess dog-fighting equipment and establishes that such equipment and property where dogs are found to be engaged in dog fighting is contraband and is subject to forfeiture. The law also makes dog-fighting subject to the elevated penalties authorized in the Texas Penal Code, Section 71.02(a), in an effort to deter organized criminal activity. (Thanks Mike)
President Obama’s Weekly Address – 08/08/09
The President calls health insurance reform critical to our nation’s long-term economic strength and dispells the outlandish rumors being promoted by those who are defending the status quo.
Health Care Hecklers
Filed under: Blog Entries, Community, Health, Politics, Society & Culture
I saw this video and thought it was pretty funny. Citizens who were not satisfied with their Congressperson’s views were told to attend town hall meetings and let their voice be heard. The news was saying that it was an effort by the Republican Party to interrupt the meetings and show their disapproval of the health care bill. On CNN I saw a Democratic official complaining about the protesters and their efforts, but isn’t this what politics is all about? While I’m not a Republican, I do applaud them for their efforts. They are preparing for 2012 and I can’t in any way hate on them for that.
The problem I have is with the people who all of a sudden want to “take their country back”. Where were these people six years ago? The problems plaguing Americans have been going on longer than 200 days, but for some strange reason they feel the need to have Tax Parties and protests about the state of our economy.
When it comes to the issue of health care, the majority of people probably know very little about what’s going on. That’s why you haven’t seen me post much about it here. I don’t know who to trust when it comes to acquiring information about the bill and I’m kind of glad Congress didn’t get to it this session.
I think it’s great that President Obama is pushing for health care reform, but I hope he’s not trying to move through it too fast. This is not an issue like the Cash for Clunkers Program where we can have a redo. This affects all Americans and the times needs to be taken to make sure it’s done right. Funding is going to have to come from somewhere and sadly that burden may have to fall on the American people.
You know, it’s easy to complain and fuss about the health care bill when you are insured. But I know a lot of hard-working Americans who are uninsured and something needs to be done to make sure they can get the care they need when the time comes. No one should have to be turned down for medical care because they don’t have the coverage to pay for it. Something has to be done.
Bro. Bill Sets Them Free
Former President Brother Bill Clinton is once again back in the spotlight. Earlier today, he set off on an unannounced trip to North Korea on a mission to negotiate the release of two imprisoned American journalists. After talks with North Korean President Kim Jong Il, Laura Ling & Euna Lee were later pardoned and released and are now traveling back to the United States.
Who says you have to be president to make things happen? At 62, Bill Clinton is showing no signs of slowing down, so you have to wonder what’s going on in Hillary’s head right now. Once again, her husband is back in the spotlight getting all of the attention. I’m curious to know how he did it and what it took from us to free them. Maybe he can stop North Korea from shooting all of those missles in the air.
President Obama’s Weekly Address – 08/01/09
Filed under: Blog Entries, Obama, Personal Finance, Politics
The President discusses the state of the economy amidst positive signs from the GDP. Making clear that this is little comfort to those struggling, he notes that we appear to have averted an even worse disaster and offers hope for the time ahead.
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