The state of Texas is a proud land of independence, freedom, and individualism. However, there are rules put in place to govern the lives of its people and its visitors. Many of these rules differ from other states and other countries around the world, and they affect various industries and sectors.
There are rules and regulations to help govern employment, determining what employers and employees are or aren’t allowed to do. Some rules are also in place to govern the current gambling landscape in Texas in order to prevent unlawful practices and promote safe and secure betting on and offline. Of course, there are a few rules you would never believe made it into the legal system. Read on for all these and more.
Employment Regulations
The laws and rules that govern the relationship between employers and employees in the workplace are many and they are thorough. There are regulations about wages, hours, benefits, discrimination, harassment, safety, and even termination. Employment regulations vary by state in the US, and Texas has some very unique touches added to its systems. If you’re keen to be an employer or employee in Texas, it is important to note that:
- Texas is an at-will employment state. An employer can fire you at any time and for any reason, as long as it is not illegal. Illegal termination would be if you were fired because of your race, sex, religion, disability, or other characteristics under government protection. You can’t be fired for reporting illegal or unethical activities happening at the premises either. Make a police report if your boss tries to fire you for exercising your legal rights. Unfortunately, it is within an employer’s rights to fire you for poor performance, misconduct, or any other lawful reason for termination.
- The state of Texas does not have a state minimum wage law, so they follow the federal minimum wage law which is currently at $7.25 per hour and applies to most workers in Texas. Tipped employees, students, apprentices, and independent contractors may be exempt when it comes to minimum wage laws.
- The state doesn’t have its own overtime law, which means that it follows the federal overtime law. This law requires employers to pay employees one and a half times their regular rate of pay for any extra hours worked over 40 in a work week. Executive, administrative, professional, and outside sales employees are exempt from overtime laws.
- There is no state-paid sick leave law, meaning that employers do not have to provide their employees with compensation if they’re out sick for the day. A collection of cities in the state, namely Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio have instituted their own paid sick leave laws that provide benefits to workers based on company size as well as regular scheduled hours.
- There is also no state anti-discrimination law; therefore, Texans use federal anti-discrimination laws to protect their workers from workplace discrimination. Federal laws prohibit employers from discriminating against employees or applicants based on any of the aforementioned reasons that are under government protection. Although these laws exist, Texas does not have a state law that prohibits the discrimination of employees on the basis of sexual orientation and also gender identity. This implies that LGBTQ+ employees may lack some of the privileges enjoyed by the other workers in Texas.
Driving Regulations
Motor vehicle laws range from licensing, registration, insurance, and also speed limits to traffic signs. signals and breaches. If you’re planning on driving in Texas, you may need to know that:
- Driving on the public roads in Texas requires a driver’s license. After passing a vision test, a written test, and even a driving test you can obtain a license from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). You will also need to pay the regulated fee for a license, and be ready with proof of your identity and residency along with citizenship or legal status. If you’re under 18 years old, you must complete a driver education course and comply with the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program, which imposes curfews, passenger limits, and cellphone bans on young drivers.
- Insurance is very necessary in the state for drivers to operate their vehicles on public highways. Your insurance must be at least $30,000 bodily injury per person coverage. At all times, you must have proof of insurance available in your vehicle to produce upon request for the police. If you don’t have insurance or proof of insurance, you may have to pay a fine and surcharges. You could also face license suspension or vehicle impoundment.
- The speed limits are 70mph in the rural areas, 60 mph on urban highways and the district freeway sections allow a maximum driving speed of up to 35 miles per hour unless otherwise indicated. Regardless, always drive at a safe and reasonable speed, taking care to watch the traffic, weather, road, and vehicle conditions.
- Texting while driving is not allowed anywhere in Texas, so you can’t type, read, or write as a designated driver. Drivers can speak and listen to callers and place calls using cell phones. They can also use their phones for GPS or music. This applies unless you are in a school zone, under 18 years old, or have a learner’s permit. Violating the texting ban may result in fines of up to $200.
- There is a move-over law in which drivers are required to pass an emergency or government vehicle – that’s stopped by the side of the road with flashing lights – by either moving over or slowing down. Back off from the closest lane to that of such a vehicle or decrease your speed up to 20 mph below the limit in this area. A failure to move over or slow down may be penalized by a $2,000 fine.
Gambling Regulations
Texas is not a big gambling state. The government has made very little room for gambling in Texas and the state has strict laws that govern gambling activities, be it in casinos, lotteries, or sports betting. However, there are a few ways around the rules for dedicated gamers. Savvy bettors living in or visiting Texas should know:
- Texas has a general prohibition on gambling making most forms of gambling illegal in the state. Gambling is defined as risking something of value on the outcome of a game, contest, or event that is based on chance, and that is not yet authorized by law in the state. Because of the strict rules, many reputable offshore online betting platforms have become the go-to wagering spot for many bettors living in and visiting Texas. Offshore platforms are licensed and reputable, but they’re registered in either a different state or country, making them legal in the region where they’re registered. Offshore online betting platforms have boosted in popularity in recent years as they’re one of the best and only options for wagering in Texas.
- There are a few exceptions to the gambling prohibition as some forms of gambling are legal in the state. There is the state lottery, charitable bingo and raffles, pari-mutuel wagering on horse and greyhound racing, and social gambling. These exceptions are, however, subject to strict rules, with things like age limits, licensing requirements, and revenue distribution key points to watch out for.
- Texas does not have any local licensed and regulated casinos, which means that there are no establishments that offer games of chance, such as slot machines, blackjack, roulette, or craps. The only exception is the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino, which the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas operates on their reservation land. However, this casino is subject to federal and tribal laws, and not state laws.
- The state of Texas prohibits sports betting and thus, there are no licensed and registered establishments or platforms that offer wagering on sporting events in Texas. The only exception is fantasy sports, which are considered games of skill, and not games of chance. However, fantasy sports are subject to federal and state laws, and some operators may not accept players from Texas.
Strange Texas Regulations
Next to the firm, serious regulations you’ll also find some strange but true regulations mandated by the state for various reasons.
- Marriage Proclamation – Texas is a common law state. Somehow, it is common in Texas, and therefore lawful, for one to become legally bound to another person if you make three public announcements that you’re married. It is also perfectly lawful to conduct a valid marriage ceremony with only one party present. Of course, you must both be willing participants who are over 18 and are not relatives.
- Eating Garbage – Someone’s raccoon-like behavior must have gotten way out of hand for there to be a law about digging in your neighbors’ trash. Some cities in Texas have laws prohibiting the act of digging through your neighbors’ garbage for food or anything else. The crime could get you charged with trespassing or theft of property.
- Spittoon Monsoon – El Paso is the place to be if you’re a tobacco chewer. The law has had enough of slipping and sliding in the streets, it seems, because regulations demand that spittoons be installed in public areas where gatherings are often held. Places like churches, assembly halls, and hotels alike must all have a sufficient type and number of spittoons. Yuck!
- Guilty or Not – In Texas, paying a fine for a ticket is an admission of guilt. One would think paying the fine is the responsible thing to do but in the wonderful state of Texas, you waive your right to a hearing once that payment goes through!
- Hold your noses – In Port Arthur, one absolutely cannot “emit obnoxious odors” when riding the elevator. Now that’s a law every state should have.
- Drink and Drive? – One can’t even think about driving within arm’s length of alcohol in Lubbock, TX. It stands to reason that if you’re driving, there should be no alcohol in sight. It also makes sense that any drunk people should be confined to the back where they are least likely to distract the driver and potentially cause harm.
- Windshields – While the state has a rule about needing windshield wipers, there actually isn’t one about windshields themselves. Of course, there are some cars that have features that let them lower their windshields so the rule may have been left out for their benefit.
- No shoes – Remember when your parents used to fuss about shoes? Turns out it is a crime to walk around barefoot after all! A barefoot permit costing about $5 is needed in some Texan cities before one can connect their feet directly to the pavement.
Conclusion
Rules and regulations are important as they help to keep the peace. The many laws Texas has in place are there to protect its people, new and old alike. Even the funny rules have been mandated for a reason and have the safety and protection of the people in mind. If you’re considering relocating to Texas, or even just visiting, make sure to keep abreast of the state’s laws and regulations so that you avoid detention and uphold the peace for as long as you’re there.
