A new year brings more than just possibilities: it also brings the enactment of new laws that were passed during earlier elections. Several new laws went into effect in Texas on Jan. 1, 2018. Here’s a handy recap of the new laws and how they will affect Texans. 

New Property Tax Rule

SB 1767 allows property owners to protest increases as a result of property tax appraisals. Property owners, particularly in North Texas, have faced significant property tax increases in recent years. According to the Dallas Morning News, the value of North Texas homes has rapidly increased as a result of the region’s prosperity.

Previously, if the tax appraiser said your value went up, there was nothing you could do. Now, the new law allows you to file a protest. Texas law caps property tax increases at 10 percent per year, but many people have seen that kind of increase every year. According to the Dallas Morning News, some claim that businesses and wealthier properties are undervalued and are paying less than their fair share of taxes, while average homeowners pay more.

If you want to file a protest, the tax appraiser has to investigate. There’s no guarantee you’ll win, but questioning appraisal increases may slow the rate of growth. Reportedly, only one in seven homeowners file a protest. Lower taxes don’t mean your property is worth less, however, since home prices are based on comparable neighborhood sales. Confused about the tax protest process? Check groups like Texas Tax Protest for details. 

New Voter ID Requirements  

Texas came under a lot of criticism for its previous voter ID requirements. Under the previous laws, voters were required to show a valid photo ID to establish their identity at the polls. SB 5 makes it a little easier for voters: Now you can bring alternate forms of ID to vote. Acceptable forms of alternate identification now include a bank statement or paycheck. However, you have to prove a “reasonable impediment” to being unable to obtain a valid ID. 

According to the Texas Tribune, the previous law was widely criticized by many people nationwide as being too restrictive and discriminatory. The issue was hotly debated in the Texas state legislature before SB 5 was finally passed. More than 16,000 voters signed “reasonable impediment” affidavits before voting in the 2016 general election.

However, because at least 500 of those affidavits were found to be invalid, the new law also imposes hefty penalties, including jail time, for those who claim to be unable to obtain an ID when they already have one.

New Requirements for Using Debit and Credit Cards

Another law addressing identification allows retailers to reject credit or debit cards if the user can’t produce a photo ID. SB 1381 requires a government-issued ID when using a credit or debit card. Not every retailer will ask for an ID, but you have to be prepared to present it if they ask. The law is designed to reduce the risk of identity theft. 

HB 1101 changes the laws relating to homestead exemptions for disabled veterans. Under the previous rules, veterans received homestead exemptions if they were given their property by charitable organizations. The new rule expands the exemption to disabled veterans who were sold a property at half or less of its market value.