NEWS

New Texas laws went in Sept. 1

Published

1 year ago

09/02/2023

On Sept. 1 some 750 new laws went into effect across the State of Texas, the final result of more than 8,000 bills filed for the legislative session this year.
With so many now on the books, this story will hit some of the highlights related to crime and other aspects of daily life. A good amount related to criminal justice creating new offenses or amending current statutes. Some of the new laws appear obvious while others may leave you pondering.

Refusal to identify while driving is now illegal. Senate Bill 1551 requires drivers pulled over by police for an alleged law violation to give their driver’s license as well as their name, address and birthday when asked by police. If they refuse, they face a charge of failure to identify while driving, a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a $500 fine. If a driver gives a false name, they face a Class B misdemeanor punishable by six months in jail and a maximum fine of up to $2,000.

Read the full story on some of the new Sept. 1 laws we have highlighted in your weekend Bowie News.

NEWS

Early deadline for New Year’s week paper

Published

2 days ago

12/24/2024

bowienews

The Bowie News office will be closed Dec. 24-25 for the Christmas holiday, and Dec. 30 and Jan. 1.
There is an early deadline of 4 p.m. on Dec. 27 for the Jan. 1 Bowie News for all news and ad items.
Your Jan. 1 edition will be delivered to the mail and racks one day earlier due to the New Year’s holiday. We hope you have a great Christmas week.

NEWS

Published

2 days ago

12/24/2024

bowienews

Your Bowie News staff wishes you the blessings of a wonderful Christmas as you enjoy time with family and friends. Our offices will be closed Dec. 24-25 for the holiday.

NEWS

County obligates ARPA funds for sewer plant project

Published

2 days ago

12/24/2024

bowienews

Montague County Commissioners wrapped up a few items before the end of the year as they met on Dec. 23.
Grant Coordinator Charley Lanier asked the court to go ahead and obligate $276,961.84 from the American Rescue Funds to complete the new wastewater treatment plant that will serve the courthouse complex.
He explained Dec. 30 is the last date where grant funds can be obligated, and he did not expect any issues since this project had already been approved in court using ARPA funds, he called it a “safety net,” to avoid any problem and possible return of the funds to the federal government.

Montague County has about $276,961.84 in grant funds which has not been allocated.
The court gave approval on the request.
Lanier also asked the court to apply for a grant for a tire cutter. Funded through the Nortex Regional Planning Commission and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the application will ask for $26,865 to purchase a larger gas-powered cutter on a trailer, which can be moved around for use. It would cut the larger tires into four pieces, which would be allowed into a landfill. Lanier said if the cutter comes through the county would need to obtain a permit for its use from TCEQ, which he added should not be an issue.
Commissioner Mark Murphey said he picks up more tires abandoned on the county roads than he disposes of at his own yard, adding he probably has 500 at his yard. The court gave approval to apply for this competitive grant.
The remainder of Monday’s brief meeting were year-end items. Bonds for the justice of the peace one, county clerk, county attorney, district attorney, sheriff, commissioner three and constable two were accepted.
A cooperative agreement with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the county was approved, along with a license and services agreement with Local Government Solutions to provide software for both justice of the peace officers. The county attorney’s Chapter 59 Asset Forfeiture report was presented with no new seizures or forfeiture.