Five new Perry-approved laws going into effect in Texas

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/shooting-hogs-helicopters-fishing-hands-five-perry-approved-170245980.html

Shooting hogs from helicopters and fishing with your hands: five new Perry-approved laws in Texas

By Chris Moody | The Ticket – 9 hrs ago

When the new Texas state fiscal year begins on Thursday, more than 700 laws passed by the legislature and signed by Gov. Rick Perry this year will take effect. From hogs and helicopters to handguns and highways, here's a look at five Texas-size laws about to go into effect in the Lone Star State:

1. It will be legal in Texas to shoot feral hogs from helicopters.

Starting Thursday, adventure hunters can legally pay for a helicopter ride and fire away at some of the 2 million feral hogs that roam the state.

State Rep. Sid Miller, who sponsored the legislation, says the animals cause up to $500 million in damage each year and that the new law can help reduce the damage.

The Fort Worth Star Telegram reports that Vertex Helicopters, a Houston-based company, has already reserved slots for 30 hog hunters, at a price of $475 an hour (with a 3-hour minimum), and that 60 hunters have taken the company's required $350 safety course.

Before the law passed, it was only legal for residents to shoot feral hogs from helicopters on their own land.

2. The government will no longer fine you for catching fish with your hands.

Fishing for catfish in Texas waters without a pole has been illegal for the better part of the last century, but thanks to a law passed this year, bare-handed fishermen can finally rest easy. Starting Thursday, fishermen who like to use their hands instead of a fishing pole will no longer face the threat of a $500 fine.

In the method known as "noodling," a fisherman sticks his hand under the water until the fish bites it, and then wrestles the creature out of the water.

3. It's OK to bring your gun to work.

Workers in Texas now have the freedom to pack a gun with their (freshly noodled) catfish sandwich when heading to work. Employees can bring guns to their place of business, so long as they leave the firearm concealed and locked in their car.

4. I can drive 85.

Americans will be able to drive faster in Texas than any other state in the nation. Approved in April as part of a state transportation bill, the Texas legislature raised the maximum state speed limit to 85 miles per hour.

5. Want to have a beer and see a naked lady? Pay the government five bucks.

Yes, Rick Perry raised taxes! This law was passed in 2007, but was deemed constitutional by the state's highest court only last week. The Texas Supreme Court ruled that the measure--which requires Texas strip clubs that serve alcohol to charge a $5 dollar "pole tax" (get it?) on every patron--is not a violation of the First Amendment.

The money raised from the tax will be used to support programs that aid victims of sexual abuse and fund health care for the uninsured.

Edited September 1, 2011 by Why_Me

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

#5 on that list seems like a bunch of bs imo, other wise they seem like some decent laws.

[nane1104 146]

85 miles/hour? Perry for President!!!

Ops, I am not allowed to vote, sorry, Mr. Perry, but keep passing those laws; not that I would ever want to shoot wild hogs from a helicopter or fish with my hands...but you never know, at least I know I wouldn't get in trouble for it if I tried...

[Obama 2012 1,714]

Yeah the "pole" tax thing pissed a lot of people off.

"Sin Taxes" are still alive and well unfortunately.

I have no problem with "choice" related taxes overall though. This one is not that big of a deal.

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

Yeah the "pole" tax thing pissed a lot of people off.

"Sin Taxes" are still alive and well unfortunately.

I have no problem with "choice" related taxes overall though. This one is not that big of a deal.

It could be worse I guess. They could have taxed lap dances.

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

I think 85 is a bit fast.

Institute studies show that deaths on rural interstates increased 25-30 percent when states began increasing speed limits from 55 to 65 mph in 1987. In 1989, about two-thirds of this increase — 19 percent, or 400 deaths — was attributed to increased speed, the rest to increased travel.13,14,15

A 1999 Institute study of the effects of the 1995 repeal of the national maximum speed limit indicated this trend had continued. Researchers compared the numbers of motor vehicle occupant deaths in 24 states that raised speed limits during late 1995 and 1996 with corresponding fatality counts in the 6 years before the speed limits were changed, as well as fatality counts from 7 states that did not change speed limits. The Institute estimated a 15 percent increase in fatalities on interstates and freeways.16

A 2002 study by researchers at the Land Transport Safety Authority of New Zealand also evaluated the effects of increasing rural interstate speed limits from 65 mph to either 70 or 75 mph. Based on deaths in states that did not change their speed limits, states that increased speed limits to 75 mph experienced 38 percent more deaths per million vehicle miles traveled than expected — an estimated 780 more deaths. States that increased speed limits to 70 mph experienced a 35 percent increase, resulting in approximately 1,100 more deaths.17

A 2009 study examining the long-term effects of the 1995 repeal of the national speed limit found a 3 percent increase in road fatalities attributable to higher speed limits on all road types, with the highest increase of 9 percent on rural interstates. The authors estimated that 12,545 deaths were attributed to increases in speed limits across the US between 1995 and 2005.18

[Obama 2012 1,714]

I think 85 is a bit fast.

Institute studies show that deaths on rural interstates increased 25-30 percent when states began increasing speed limits from 55 to 65 mph in 1987. In 1989, about two-thirds of this increase — 19 percent, or 400 deaths — was attributed to increased speed, the rest to increased travel.13,14,15

A 1999 Institute study of the effects of the 1995 repeal of the national maximum speed limit indicated this trend had continued. Researchers compared the numbers of motor vehicle occupant deaths in 24 states that raised speed limits during late 1995 and 1996 with corresponding fatality counts in the 6 years before the speed limits were changed, as well as fatality counts from 7 states that did not change speed limits. The Institute estimated a 15 percent increase in fatalities on interstates and freeways.16

A 2002 study by researchers at the Land Transport Safety Authority of New Zealand also evaluated the effects of increasing rural interstate speed limits from 65 mph to either 70 or 75 mph. Based on deaths in states that did not change their speed limits, states that increased speed limits to 75 mph experienced 38 percent more deaths per million vehicle miles traveled than expected — an estimated 780 more deaths. States that increased speed limits to 70 mph experienced a 35 percent increase, resulting in approximately 1,100 more deaths.17

A 2009 study examining the long-term effects of the 1995 repeal of the national speed limit found a 3 percent increase in road fatalities attributable to higher speed limits on all road types, with the highest increase of 9 percent on rural interstates. The authors estimated that 12,545 deaths were attributed to increases in speed limits across the US between 1995 and 2005.18

We're not talking about 85 on I-35 here or anything. We're talking about 85 out in West Texas where you end up with stretches of highway that there's 100+ miles between towns and hardly any traffic at all. You can go miles without seeing another car at times.

[SMR 368]

The first two aren't really laws. They are repeals of past laws which were pretty pointless in my opinion.

The third is an assertion of a basic right that I think should be constitutionally protected but in most states isn't. An employer shouldn't have the right to inspect your car nor dictate what is in it.

As far as speed limits, I think there is merit to the above posts. Even without anybody else on the road, cars become much less stable in my experience between 65 and 75 mph. At 85, handling can be difficult. Of course, this depends on the car. Higher end cars designed with speed in mind do fine at high speed. But more budget cars aren't really designed to do well at those types of speeds.

I have no issue with use taxes although I think increases in use taxes should generally be offset by decreases in other taxes.

[Danno 1,228]

I think 85 is a bit fast.

Institute studies show that deaths on rural interstates increased 25-30 percent when states began increasing speed limits from 55 to 65 mph in 1987. In 1989, about two-thirds of this increase — 19 percent, or 400 deaths — was attributed to increased speed, the rest to increased travel.13,14,15

A 1999 Institute study of the effects of the 1995 repeal of the national maximum speed limit indicated this trend had continued. Researchers compared the numbers of motor vehicle occupant deaths in 24 states that raised speed limits during late 1995 and 1996 with corresponding fatality counts in the 6 years before the speed limits were changed, as well as fatality counts from 7 states that did not change speed limits. The Institute estimated a 15 percent increase in fatalities on interstates and freeways.16

A 2002 study by researchers at the Land Transport Safety Authority of New Zealand also evaluated the effects of increasing rural interstate speed limits from 65 mph to either 70 or 75 mph. Based on deaths in states that did not change their speed limits, states that increased speed limits to 75 mph experienced 38 percent more deaths per million vehicle miles traveled than expected — an estimated 780 more deaths. States that increased speed limits to 70 mph experienced a 35 percent increase, resulting in approximately 1,100 more deaths.17

A 2009 study examining the long-term effects of the 1995 repeal of the national speed limit found a 3 percent increase in road fatalities attributable to higher speed limits on all road types, with the highest increase of 9 percent on rural interstates. The authors estimated that 12,545 deaths were attributed to increases in speed limits across the US between 1995 and 2005.18

By the same token if the max speed in the country were 40 or 45 MPH just imagine how many lives could be further saved..... or, if we all were made to wear helmets when driving. (or even when leaving the house)

Given the freedom to do so, there is almost no limit to how much Gov-co could protect us.

[Obama 2012 1,714]

The first two aren't really laws. They are repeals of past laws which were pretty pointless in my opinion.

The third is an assertion of a basic right that I think should be constitutionally protected but in most states isn't. An employer shouldn't have the right to inspect your car nor dictate what is in it.

As far as speed limits, I think there is merit to the above posts. Even without anybody else on the road, cars become much less stable in my experience between 65 and 75 mph. At 85, handling can be difficult. Of course, this depends on the car. Higher end cars designed with speed in mind do fine at high speed. But more budget cars aren't really designed to do well at those types of speeds.

I have no issue with use taxes although I think increases in use taxes should generally be offset by decreases in other taxes.

like property taxes...... the worst of the worst when it comes to taxes.

[nane1104 146]

85 m/h is about the average travel speed on the german Autobahn...oh how I miss it! It's a matter of what you are used to and a big matter of driving skills. That's why you don't get DL handed out that easily in Germany.

From what I read and heard, the 85m/h in Texas is actually meant "up to 85m/h" depending on road conditions.

I personally don't drive much in Texas other than going from here to Dallas which is a straight shot on I-20 and I think I could save about an hour driving time.

[The_Dude 1,142]

I don't like #1 and #3. Shooting an animal from a plane/helicopter isn't hunting, thats just bullsh!t. The reason they tax sin products is because they are easier to tax. Much easier to rally support, even from conservatives on something they frown upon, and sin products are more inelastic than any other. Raise the price on beer by $2 a case, and we'll complain for a month or two, but still buy the beer.

[Obama 2012 1,714]

I don't like #1 and #3. Shooting an animal from a plane/helicopter isn't hunting, thats just bullsh!t. The reason they tax sin products is because they are easier to tax. Much easier to rally support, even from conservatives on something they frown upon, and sin products are more inelastic than any other. Raise the price on beer by $2 a case, and we'll complain for a month or two, but still buy the beer.

Oh come on. It's not bullshit, that's the ultimate sport right there! Moving in a plane shooting another moving object! That's pure sport!

What's wrong with #3? If it's concealed in your car, then no one should know about it anyway.

[Danno 1,228]

I don't like #1 and #3. Shooting an animal from a plane/helicopter isn't hunting, thats just bullsh!t. The reason they tax sin products is because they are easier to tax. Much easier to rally support, even from conservatives on something they frown upon, and sin products are more inelastic than any other. Raise the price on beer by $2 a case, and we'll complain for a month or two, but still buy the beer.

As far as shooting hogs from the air, this has more to do with the goal of reducing this growing plague of wild hogs... than providing an new style of hunting.

[mawilson 2,133]

Shooting an animal from a plane/helicopter isn't hunting, ...

... it's fun!