New Texas laws that go into effect in 2020 — and how they might affect you From increasing sexual assault reporting to eliminating 'surprise medical bills'

Natural disaster relief In House Bill 49, homeowners affected by property damage after a natural disaster may get some relief from ad valorem taxes of the appraised value of the damaged home. The area has to have been declared by the governor a disaster territory and be at least 15 percent damaged by the disaster. >>> Click through the gallery to see some of the major Texas laws that will go into effect starting in the New Year. less Natural disaster relief In House Bill 49, homeowners affected by property damage after a natural disaster may get some relief from ad valorem taxes of the appraised value of the damaged home. The area has to ... more Photo: Loren Elliott, NYT Photo: Loren Elliott, NYT Image 1 of / 24 Caption Close New Texas laws that go into effect in 2020 — and how they might affect you 1 / 24 Back to Gallery

With the start of the new year comes a batch of fresh, new Texas laws.

The 86th Texas Legislature passed several bills, most of which took effect on Sept. 1. However, some do not take full effect until Jan. 1, 2020.

MORE ON LAWS: New Texas gun laws that went into effect earlier this year

The Chronicle compiled a list of some of the major Texas laws that will go into effect starting in the New Year.

The new laws encompass new requirements for universities reporting sexual assault and ease post-disaster taxes.

Michelle Iracheta is a digital reporter in Houston. Read her on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | michelle.iracheta@chron.com

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