What the Legislature Did
|
 If you're a political junkie, you know that the Texas Legislature's 81st session ended in June. If you're not a political junkie--now you know!
This is important because many of the laws that were passed go into effect today.
Crimes Against Older Adults
One, HB 2328, increases the level of felony in forgery and identity theft cases if committed against "elderly individuals" (65 years or older). It also increases credit and debit card abuse to a third degree felony if committed against elderly individuals.
Advance Directives
HB 2585 has made some significant changes in the execution of certain documents. If you have executed a medical power of attorney, living will or out of hospital DNR, you might recall that you had to have two people witness your signature, and that at least one of them could not be related to you or benefit from your Will. Going forward these documents will only need to be notarized. Even though this change is effective today, the Health and Human Services Commission has until December 1 to issue new forms. Until the statutory forms are developed, most attorneys could draw up a form with a place for the notary instead of the witnesses. |
