Bills by Walle, others take effect Sept. 1st

Rep. Armando Walle

AUSTIN — Several pieces of legislation passed by State Representative Armando Walle (D-Houston) will go into effect September 1, 2011.

Rep. Walle passed a package of laws taking effect today that are designed to help appropriately address disciplinary problems and keep at-risk youth out of the jailhouse and in the schoolhouse. House Bill 350 now allows juveniles charged with Class C misdemeanors at school to dispose of their sentences with community service or tutoring hours, in lieu of paying a fine. “Disciplinary problems are a red flag that a child is at risk of dropping out of school, so it is important for our courts to offer consequences that appropriately address the discipline problems and help students stay in school,” said Rep. Walle.

Rep. Walle successfully shepherded Senate Bills 61 and 209 through the legislative process, which also take effect today. These bills are designed to ensure that youth in municipal and justice of the peace courts are given the best chance for success. The bills will make certain that juvenile case managers have necessary training and require that they report to the appropriate judge. “These changes in law will ensure that court-involved youth have access to folks who can give them the best chance possible to get back on the right track,” said Rep. Walle.

Rep. Walle also passed legislation by amending other bills. Rep. Walle’s House Bill 206 was passed as an amendment to Senate Bill 573, requiring water utility companies to explain to their customers the reasons behind a rate increase and to provide resources for low-income ratepayers. Rep. Walle’s House Bill 2723 was also passed this way, as an amendment to House Bill 1951, requiring that health insurance companies give policyholders adequate notice of changes to their coverage or rate increases. Both measures will take effect today.

Other measures passed by Rep. Walle, including House Bill 710 and House Bill 1341, took effect earlier this year. H.B. 710 saves the state millions of dollars by granting the Health and Human Services Commission greater latitude in using appropriate technology to detect and prevent fraud. The cost-saving measure reduces red tape for applicants and dedicates more taxpayer dollars to vital state services. H.B. 1341 gives universities greater flexibility in setting tuition payment deadlines based upon the characteristics of the student body.