HOUSE BILL 3979: Limitations on teaching “Critical Race Theory” in schools 

This specific Texas law limits history teachers from teaching about critical race theory and the history of racism in America. Censoring or prohibiting teachers from speaking about critical race theory in schools will make students less aware of the world they live in. Students will grow up not knowing what racism is and thinking it does not exist. Not only is it a censorship of history but it also seems as though they are trying to hide or ignore the bad things about American history and focus on the good, which is not authentic. Showing the bad and then acknowledging how America has grown and changed as a country from what it was prior would be a much better option. Racism is also not a thing of the past, as it still lives widely throughout America. An article done by localprofile.com states, “Critical rave theory looks at how the social construction of race and institutionalized racism preserve a racial caste system that puts people of color on the bottom tiers, according to the American Bar Association.”  

PROTESTORS GIVEN FELONIES FOR BLOCKING ROADS AND HOSPITALS  

Protestors seen blocking roads will be given felonies. This law was issued after protesters were seen in front of a California hospital blocking two people from accessing the emergency room. Protestors in Texas were already receiving misdemeanors for this offense. The new law is now increasing its sentencing to two years instead of the previous 6-month sentence. Republican states representative Stephanie Klick says, “A delay of only a few minutes to emergency care can mean the difference between life and death.” She claims to be speaking from experience as she was a nurse who worked in the emergency setting. “Seconds matter”. 

However, Democratic state representative Joe Moody thinks the punishment is far too harsh. Saying “What we’re doing here is creating a mandatory minimum that is not congruent to anything else that we have”. On one side some may believe their right to freedom of speech (first amendment) is being constricted while others are just trying to get to school, work, the store, and even the hospital. But cannot due to protestors being in the way. It can be argued that the entire point of the protest is to grasp people’s attention and get them to understand to the message being spreading. Regardless, this law against protestors has already passed as of now in the state of Texas.  

LESS GUN RESTRICTIONS  

Texans now have the right to carry guns without a permit. Since 1995 Texans have had the right to carry firearms. So ever since then, the law restrictions have gradually become more lenient. You no longer need a license to carry a gun outside of your home or vehicle. Supporters call this “constitutional carry” something permitted under the 2nd amendment.  

The laws eligibility for gun ownership does not change, for example you still cannot be under 21-years-old and cannot have served a sentence for a felony or family violence within the last five years. This law also proceeds to add some misdemeanors those being assault causing bodily injury, deadly conduct, terroristic threat, and disorderly conduct with a firearm. 60% of Texans actually oppose of the new permit-less carry law. Local firearm instructors, Texas law enforcement and (of course) gun safety advocates were against this as well. Gyl Switzer aka the executive director of Texas Gun Sense says, “I think it will mean more handguns in public. Adding that, “Data show us time after time after time that guns don’t make us safer.”  

Abortion ban 

This law is probably the most controversial out of all the current Texas laws that’ve been passed. People are currently protesting against the law as we speak. Known as “The Heartbeat Act” this law prohibits abortions once a heartbeat is detected which is around about six weeks of a woman’s pregnancy. This practically bans abortion for most because most women don’t realize they’re pregnant that early. Unlike some states that have banned abortion, Texas does not make abortion a criminal offense.  

However, this law does allow private citizens to sue anyone getting an abortion along with anyone who helped them get it. This goes for citizens anywhere even if they do not reside in Texas. Meaning that a woman and her “accomplices” can get sued by a random stranger if it’s found out that they’ve gotten an abortion. The bill does make an exception if an abortion is needed for medical reasons but, not for women who have been raped and ones that have participated in incest. Abortion rights advocates have asked the U.S to get rid of this law, to no results. Meanwhile, women across the world are marching & protesting for their reproductive rights.   

Conclusion 

Overall the new laws passed by the state of Texas are confusing to many, as they see the new legislation as a step in the wrong direction. The increased restrictions on women’s abortion rights, restriction on right to protest, limitations on the teachings of Critical Race Theory, and less limitations on the carrying of a firearm can seem like good decisions to some but poor decisions to others. All we can do for now is wait and see the effects these laws create.