MARCH ACTIVITIES
Audelia Road Branch Library
10045 Audelia Rd.
214-670-1350
All Dallas Public Library locations will be closed Sunday, March 23, for Easter.
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME
Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.
Stories and activities for ages 3 - 5 and their parents/caregivers.
COMPUTER BASICS: HOW DO I TURN THIS THING ON?
Saturday, March 1, 10:15 a.m.
30-minute hands-on workshop for the novice computer user who seeks basic understanding of computers. Learn about basic computer parts, take a tour of the keyboard and enjoy "mouse-ercizes". Space is limited to four. Reservations may be placed at 214-670-1350.
AUTHORSPEAK
The Dallas Public Library and the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth have joined together to present Authorspeak, a literary series featuring nationally known and bestselling authors. This partnership brings to the metroplex a series with a unique focus unlike any other author series currently offered. These distinguished speakers will open our lives to the world through their extraordinary books.
• Ted Fishman, Thursday, March 6, 6:30 p.m.
• Lectures will begin with a reception at 6 p.m.
• J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, 7th floor.
Ticket Prices: Members of the Council and Library Friends
$20 per speaker
Non-members
$30 per speaker
For tickets or more information please visit: www.dfwworld.org
DASH ONLINE FOR HOMEWORK HELP
Thursday, March 6, 7 p.m.
Children grades 4 and above learn to use this online homework help resource. See the librarian to sign up.
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN SUPPORT GROUP
Thursday, March 6, 11:30 a.m.
Join our discussion group for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren with Belinda Glenn, coordinator of the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program of the City of Dallas. Please call ahead if you are bringing children or require Spanish assistance. For questions, call Belinda Glenn at 214-243-2049.
LIBRARY LIVE! * PUPPET PAL'S STORYTIME WITH SANDY SHROUT
Saturday, March 8, 2 p.m.
Repertoire includes stories that combine fun-loving and time-honored characters and plots.
* LIBRARY LIVE! Chase presents LIBRARY LIVE! Big Thought’s FREE monthly program that offers interactive, culturally diverse performances and workshops for students and families. The program brings literary traditions to life through dance, visual art and music. Check out the educational fun at the branch nearest you! Other sponsors include The Dallas Morning News, City of Dallas, Office of Cultural Affairs, The Constantin Foundation, Target Stores, and Centex Corporation.
ADOPT-A-SHELF TRAINING
Saturday, March 15, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Much like ‘Adopt-A-Highway’ maintenance programs, our Adopt-A-Shelf volunteer program offers volunteers the opportunity to help the Library maintain our stacks. Volunteers will provide shelf reading as well as other much-needed services for the Library collections. Space is limited to 10 participants. Pre-registration as a volunteer is REQUIRED. Please call Dana Brumbelow at 214-670-1350 for additional information.
HISPANIC HERITAGE ART PROGRAM
Monday, March 17, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Children create artwork representing the Hispanic heritage. Works of children ages 7 and above may be entered into the Hispanic Heritage Drawing Contest. Winning works will be displayed at the Dallas Public Library and recognized by the Mexican General Consulate. Materials will be provided.
THE MYSTERY BOOK CLUB
Tuesday, March 18, 6:30 p.m.
March's selection is Heartsick by Chelsea Cain. This is a discussion group, not a book review, and we always welcome new members. RSVPs are not required, but are encouraged. Please RSVP to 214-670-1350.
EDIE'S START
Thursday, March 20, 3:30 p.m.
Edie and friends will participate in a Native American cultural activity.
AUDELIA ROAD BOOK CLUB
Tuesday, March 25, 6:30 p.m.
March's selection is The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards. This is a discussion group, not a book review, and we always welcome new members. Please RSVP to 214-670-1350.
AARP - FREE INCOME TAX HELP
Tuesdays, 12 noon - 4 p.m.
Please bring your W-2, Form 1099 or any other current tax information to fill in your form and a copy of your previous year’s tax return. AARP will help anyone, if there are no persons age 55+ waiting for tax help.
Sponsored by American Association of Retired Persons.
AFTER-SCHOOL MOVIETIME
Thursdays, March 6, 13 and 27, 3:30 p.m.
Enjoy a different Disney movie every week! All ages welcome.
March 2, 2008
February 18, 2008
Primary Voting in Texas from State Representative Allen Vaught
As you all know election season is right around the corner. In fact, the Texas Primary on March 4th is quickly approaching. This is a good time to review information relevant to voting, such as how to register, early voting procedures, and how to vote by mail.
Registration
The first step of the voting process is registration. If you are not registered to vote, you may visit my website at http://www.allenvaught.com and click on the “register to vote” link. If you are not sure if you are registered, you may call the Dallas County Elections Department at (214) 819-6300 for verification. Unfortunately, if you did not register by February 4th, 2008, you will be ineligible to vote in the March primary; however you will be able to vote in any election 30 days after you register. So, if you are not registered to vote, now is a good time to get registered so that you do not miss the November 2008 election.
Primaries and party affiliation
Voters do not register by party in Texas. Once you are registered to vote, you will simply choose your party of interest at the polling location and vote in that party's primary on Election Day. When you go to the polls, inform the election clerk which party’s primary you wish to vote in, and they will direct you to the proper table to receive your ballot.
As a voter, you become “affiliated” with a party by voting in a party’s primary, with the affiliation lasting for that primary year. For example, if you voted in the March 2006 primary or the April 2006 primary runoff, you would be considered affiliated with that party until December 31st, 2006, when the affiliation expired. The affiliation means that you may not vote or participate in another party’s primary, primary runoff, or convention that year. Note that in the general election in November, you may vote for whomever you wish regardless of which party’s primary you chose.
Early Voting
Early voting is simple and can save time, since the lines are typically not as long as they are on Election Day. You may vote early at any early voting location in the entire county; whereas, on Election Day, you must vote in your precinct’s specific voting location. Also, in Dallas County, electronic machines are used during the early voting period, while paper ballots are used on Election Day.
There are four locations in or near Texas House District 107 where early voting for the Texas Primary will take place. They are the Dallas First Assembly of God at 11000 E. Northwest Hwy; Harry Stone Recreation Center at 2403 Millmar Drive; Samuell Grand Recreation Center at 6200 E Grand Avenue; and the Garland City Hall at 200 N. 5th Street in Garland.
The dates and times for early voting are: Tuesday through Friday, February 19 – 22 from 8 am to 5 pm; Saturday, February 23 from 7 am to 7 pm; Sunday, February 24 from 1 pm to 6 pm; and Monday through Friday, February 25 – 29 from 7 am to 7 pm. Election Day is Tuesday, March 4th and the polls are open from 7 am to 7 pm.
What to take to the Voting Booth
Whether voting early or on Election Day, remember to take either your drivers license or your new “light orange” Voter Registration Certificate. You should have received this certificate in the mail in late 2007. If you do not have either one of these, you may use another form of identification such as a photo ID, passport, birth certificate, citizenship papers, or other official documents. Know that when voting without a Voter Registration Certificate or appropriate ID, you may have to sign an affidavit or fill out a provisional ballot.
If you would like to know what is going to be on the ballot, sample ballots are available to view on the Dallas County Election’s website at http://www.dalcoelections.org/ and are sometimes published in the newspaper prior to elections. You are permitted to take a sample ballot or other written material into the voting booth to assist you while voting.
Special Accommodations
If you have difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time, the election official will bring your ballot to your car. State and federal laws also mandate that every voting location be accessible to voters with disabilities.
If you are unable to vote in person during early voting or on Election Day, you may have the option to vote by mail. To vote by mail, you must be 65 years of age or older on Election Day, have a disability, or will be outside the county during the voting period. The deadline to request an application for a ballot by mail is February 26th. You may obtain an application from the early voting clerk in Dallas County by calling (214) 819-6300. You may also visit the Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/earlyvoting.shtml or call toll-free 1-800-252-VOTE (8683) to get an application. Your completed ballot must be received by 7:00 pm on March 4th to be counted.
I hope this information not only helps to eliminate any confusion that you may have about voting in the Texas Primary, but makes the process easier as well. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact my district office at 214-370-8305. Remember, voting is the cornerstone of our democracy.
Source: Texas Secretary of State
Registration
The first step of the voting process is registration. If you are not registered to vote, you may visit my website at http://www.allenvaught.com and click on the “register to vote” link. If you are not sure if you are registered, you may call the Dallas County Elections Department at (214) 819-6300 for verification. Unfortunately, if you did not register by February 4th, 2008, you will be ineligible to vote in the March primary; however you will be able to vote in any election 30 days after you register. So, if you are not registered to vote, now is a good time to get registered so that you do not miss the November 2008 election.
Primaries and party affiliation
Voters do not register by party in Texas. Once you are registered to vote, you will simply choose your party of interest at the polling location and vote in that party's primary on Election Day. When you go to the polls, inform the election clerk which party’s primary you wish to vote in, and they will direct you to the proper table to receive your ballot.
As a voter, you become “affiliated” with a party by voting in a party’s primary, with the affiliation lasting for that primary year. For example, if you voted in the March 2006 primary or the April 2006 primary runoff, you would be considered affiliated with that party until December 31st, 2006, when the affiliation expired. The affiliation means that you may not vote or participate in another party’s primary, primary runoff, or convention that year. Note that in the general election in November, you may vote for whomever you wish regardless of which party’s primary you chose.
Early Voting
Early voting is simple and can save time, since the lines are typically not as long as they are on Election Day. You may vote early at any early voting location in the entire county; whereas, on Election Day, you must vote in your precinct’s specific voting location. Also, in Dallas County, electronic machines are used during the early voting period, while paper ballots are used on Election Day.
There are four locations in or near Texas House District 107 where early voting for the Texas Primary will take place. They are the Dallas First Assembly of God at 11000 E. Northwest Hwy; Harry Stone Recreation Center at 2403 Millmar Drive; Samuell Grand Recreation Center at 6200 E Grand Avenue; and the Garland City Hall at 200 N. 5th Street in Garland.
The dates and times for early voting are: Tuesday through Friday, February 19 – 22 from 8 am to 5 pm; Saturday, February 23 from 7 am to 7 pm; Sunday, February 24 from 1 pm to 6 pm; and Monday through Friday, February 25 – 29 from 7 am to 7 pm. Election Day is Tuesday, March 4th and the polls are open from 7 am to 7 pm.
What to take to the Voting Booth
Whether voting early or on Election Day, remember to take either your drivers license or your new “light orange” Voter Registration Certificate. You should have received this certificate in the mail in late 2007. If you do not have either one of these, you may use another form of identification such as a photo ID, passport, birth certificate, citizenship papers, or other official documents. Know that when voting without a Voter Registration Certificate or appropriate ID, you may have to sign an affidavit or fill out a provisional ballot.
If you would like to know what is going to be on the ballot, sample ballots are available to view on the Dallas County Election’s website at http://www.dalcoelections.org/ and are sometimes published in the newspaper prior to elections. You are permitted to take a sample ballot or other written material into the voting booth to assist you while voting.
Special Accommodations
If you have difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time, the election official will bring your ballot to your car. State and federal laws also mandate that every voting location be accessible to voters with disabilities.
If you are unable to vote in person during early voting or on Election Day, you may have the option to vote by mail. To vote by mail, you must be 65 years of age or older on Election Day, have a disability, or will be outside the county during the voting period. The deadline to request an application for a ballot by mail is February 26th. You may obtain an application from the early voting clerk in Dallas County by calling (214) 819-6300. You may also visit the Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/earlyvoting.shtml or call toll-free 1-800-252-VOTE (8683) to get an application. Your completed ballot must be received by 7:00 pm on March 4th to be counted.
I hope this information not only helps to eliminate any confusion that you may have about voting in the Texas Primary, but makes the process easier as well. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact my district office at 214-370-8305. Remember, voting is the cornerstone of our democracy.
Source: Texas Secretary of State
February 17, 2008
Calloway's Timely Tips for March
Calloway’s Timely Tip for March
Lawn Care in March
• Plant grass sod now but wait until May to plant seed.
• Fertilize your lawns towards the end of the month with a complete
fertilizer such as Calloway’s Premium Lawn Fertilizer 21-5-10 or
Calloway’s Organic Fertilizer 6-2-4.
• Apply preemergents early this month to prevent weed and grass seeds
from germinating-Green Light Crabgrass Preventer for grassy weeds
and Green Light Portrait for broadleaf weeds.
• Apply a post-emergent broadleaf weed killer such as Green Light’s
Wipe-Out to kill existing dandelions, henbit, and chickweed. Apply
when daytime temperature is above 70 degrees.
• Check your automatic sprinkler system for leaks and broken pipes or
heads.
• Tune up the lawnmower and have the blade sharpened, if needed.
Lawn Care in March
• Plant grass sod now but wait until May to plant seed.
• Fertilize your lawns towards the end of the month with a complete
fertilizer such as Calloway’s Premium Lawn Fertilizer 21-5-10 or
Calloway’s Organic Fertilizer 6-2-4.
• Apply preemergents early this month to prevent weed and grass seeds
from germinating-Green Light Crabgrass Preventer for grassy weeds
and Green Light Portrait for broadleaf weeds.
• Apply a post-emergent broadleaf weed killer such as Green Light’s
Wipe-Out to kill existing dandelions, henbit, and chickweed. Apply
when daytime temperature is above 70 degrees.
• Check your automatic sprinkler system for leaks and broken pipes or
heads.
• Tune up the lawnmower and have the blade sharpened, if needed.
February 12, 2008
Audelia Road Branch of the Dallas Public Library: February Activities
Audelia Road Branch Library
10045 Audelia Rd.
214-670-1350
All Dallas Public Library locations will be closed Monday, February 18, 2008 for Presidents' Day.
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME
Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.
Stories and activities for ages 3 - 5 and their parents/caregivers.
ADOPT-A-SHELF TRAINING
Saturday, February 2, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Much like ‘Adopt-A-Highway’ maintenance programs, our Adopt-A-Shelf volunteer program offers volunteers the opportunity to help the Library maintain our stacks. Volunteers will provide shelf reading as well as other much-needed services for the Library collections. Space is limited to 10 participants. Pre-registration as a volunteer is REQUIRED. Please call Dana Brumbelow at 214-670-1350 for additional information.
DOES THE GROUNDHOG SEE HIS SHADOW?
Saturday, February 2, 2 p.m.
Groundhog craft and activities for children.
GO RED WITH THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION -
THE POWER TO END STROKE
Sunday, February 3, 2:00 p.m.
This February, the American Hearth Association encourages you to celebrate your health through learning about the most prevalent killers of Americans – heart disease and stroke.
AARP - FREE INCOME TAX HELP
Tuesdays, February 5 - April 15, 12 noon - 4 p.m.
Please bring your W-2, Form 1099 or any other current tax information to fill in your form and a copy of your previous year’s tax return. AARP will help anyone, if there are no persons age 55+ waiting for tax help.
Sponsored by American Association of Retired Persons.
DASH ONLINE FOR HOMEWORK HELP
Tuesday, February 5, 4 p.m.
Children grades 4 and above learn to use this online homework help resource. See the librarian to sign up.
MAKE A FREEDOM CHAIN
Wednesday, February 6, 3:30 p.m.
Children make a freedom chain to honor Martin Luther King, Jr.'s message of freedom for all.
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN SUPPORT GROUP
Thursday, February 7, 11:30 a.m.
Join our discussion group for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren with Belinda Glenn, coordinator of the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program of the City of Dallas. Please call ahead if you are bringing children or require Spanish assistance. For questions, call Belinda Glenn at 214-243-2049.
AFTER-SCHOOL MOVIETIME
Thursdays, February 7 and 14, 3:30 p.m.
Enjoy a different Disney movie every week! All ages welcome.
LIBRARY LIVE! * VISUAL ARTS WITH CYNTHIA PADILLA
Saturday, February 9, 2 p.m.
This hands-on program will serve as an introduction to textiles.
* LIBRARY LIVE! Chase presents LIBRARY LIVE! Big Thought’s FREE monthly program that offers interactive, culturally diverse performances and workshops for students and families. The program brings literary traditions to life through dance, visual art and music. Check out the educational fun at the branch nearest you! Other sponsors include The Dallas Morning News, City of Dallas, Office of Cultural Affairs, The Constantin Foundation, Target Stores, and Centex Corporation.
THE ART OF NECESSITY: SHARING A BRIEF HISTORY OF QUILTS
Saturday, February 16, 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Mary Calloway, member of the Quilter's Guild of Dallas, will present a program on the history of quilts and quilting, from its practical uses as a bed cover, to quilting as an art form. Ms. Calloway will be bringing a large collection of quilts to show and discuss and will also share some interesting anecdotes of the history of quilting in Texas. All ages are invited. Girl Scouts working on quilt craft or history badges are especially encouraged to attend.
THE MYSTERY BOOK CLUB
Tuesday, February 19, 6:30 p.m.
February's selection is The Savage Garden by Mark Mills. This is a discussion group, not a book review, and we always welcome new members. RSVPs are not required, but are encouraged. Please RSVP to 214-670-1350.
COMPUTER BASICS: HOW DO I TURN THIS THING ON?
Saturday, February 23, 10 a.m.
30-minute hands-on workshop for the novice computer user who seeks basic understanding of computers. Learn about basic computer parts, take a tour of the keyboard and enjoy "mouse-ercizes". Space is limited to four. Reservations may be placed at 214-670-1350.
AUDELIA ROAD BOOK CLUB
Tuesday, February 26, 6:30 p.m.
February's selection is The Road by Cormac McCarthy. This is a discussion group, not a book review, and we always welcome new members. Please RSVP to 214-670-1350.
AUTHORSPEAK
The Dallas Public Library and the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth have joined together to present Authorspeak, a literary series featuring nationally known and bestselling authors. This partnership brings to the metroplex a series with a unique focus unlike any other author series currently offered. These two distinguished speakers will open our lives to the world through their extraordinary books.
• Willie Brown, Thursday, February 28, 6:30 p.m.
• Ted Fishman, Thursday, March 6, 6:30 p.m.
• Lectures will begin with a reception at 6 p.m.
• J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, 7th floor.
Ticket Prices: Members of the Council and Library Friends
$20 per speaker
Non-members
$30 per speaker
For tickets or more information please visit: www.dfwworld.org
SPECIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR PROGRAMS. If you have special equipment, space, or language needs, call your local branch library or the Central library, 214- 670-1400,
214-670-1716 (TDD, TTY). Please call at least 48 hours before the event.
ASISTENCIA ESPECIAL DISPONIBLE PARA PROGRAMAS. Si usted tiene necesidades especiales de equipo, espacio, o idioma, llame a su biblioteca local o a la biblioteca del centro,
214-670-1750, 214-670-1716 (TDD/TTY). Por favor llame minimo de 48 horas antes del programa.
10045 Audelia Rd.
214-670-1350
All Dallas Public Library locations will be closed Monday, February 18, 2008 for Presidents' Day.
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME
Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.
Stories and activities for ages 3 - 5 and their parents/caregivers.
ADOPT-A-SHELF TRAINING
Saturday, February 2, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Much like ‘Adopt-A-Highway’ maintenance programs, our Adopt-A-Shelf volunteer program offers volunteers the opportunity to help the Library maintain our stacks. Volunteers will provide shelf reading as well as other much-needed services for the Library collections. Space is limited to 10 participants. Pre-registration as a volunteer is REQUIRED. Please call Dana Brumbelow at 214-670-1350 for additional information.
DOES THE GROUNDHOG SEE HIS SHADOW?
Saturday, February 2, 2 p.m.
Groundhog craft and activities for children.
GO RED WITH THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION -
THE POWER TO END STROKE
Sunday, February 3, 2:00 p.m.
This February, the American Hearth Association encourages you to celebrate your health through learning about the most prevalent killers of Americans – heart disease and stroke.
AARP - FREE INCOME TAX HELP
Tuesdays, February 5 - April 15, 12 noon - 4 p.m.
Please bring your W-2, Form 1099 or any other current tax information to fill in your form and a copy of your previous year’s tax return. AARP will help anyone, if there are no persons age 55+ waiting for tax help.
Sponsored by American Association of Retired Persons.
DASH ONLINE FOR HOMEWORK HELP
Tuesday, February 5, 4 p.m.
Children grades 4 and above learn to use this online homework help resource. See the librarian to sign up.
MAKE A FREEDOM CHAIN
Wednesday, February 6, 3:30 p.m.
Children make a freedom chain to honor Martin Luther King, Jr.'s message of freedom for all.
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN SUPPORT GROUP
Thursday, February 7, 11:30 a.m.
Join our discussion group for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren with Belinda Glenn, coordinator of the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program of the City of Dallas. Please call ahead if you are bringing children or require Spanish assistance. For questions, call Belinda Glenn at 214-243-2049.
AFTER-SCHOOL MOVIETIME
Thursdays, February 7 and 14, 3:30 p.m.
Enjoy a different Disney movie every week! All ages welcome.
LIBRARY LIVE! * VISUAL ARTS WITH CYNTHIA PADILLA
Saturday, February 9, 2 p.m.
This hands-on program will serve as an introduction to textiles.
* LIBRARY LIVE! Chase presents LIBRARY LIVE! Big Thought’s FREE monthly program that offers interactive, culturally diverse performances and workshops for students and families. The program brings literary traditions to life through dance, visual art and music. Check out the educational fun at the branch nearest you! Other sponsors include The Dallas Morning News, City of Dallas, Office of Cultural Affairs, The Constantin Foundation, Target Stores, and Centex Corporation.
THE ART OF NECESSITY: SHARING A BRIEF HISTORY OF QUILTS
Saturday, February 16, 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Mary Calloway, member of the Quilter's Guild of Dallas, will present a program on the history of quilts and quilting, from its practical uses as a bed cover, to quilting as an art form. Ms. Calloway will be bringing a large collection of quilts to show and discuss and will also share some interesting anecdotes of the history of quilting in Texas. All ages are invited. Girl Scouts working on quilt craft or history badges are especially encouraged to attend.
THE MYSTERY BOOK CLUB
Tuesday, February 19, 6:30 p.m.
February's selection is The Savage Garden by Mark Mills. This is a discussion group, not a book review, and we always welcome new members. RSVPs are not required, but are encouraged. Please RSVP to 214-670-1350.
COMPUTER BASICS: HOW DO I TURN THIS THING ON?
Saturday, February 23, 10 a.m.
30-minute hands-on workshop for the novice computer user who seeks basic understanding of computers. Learn about basic computer parts, take a tour of the keyboard and enjoy "mouse-ercizes". Space is limited to four. Reservations may be placed at 214-670-1350.
AUDELIA ROAD BOOK CLUB
Tuesday, February 26, 6:30 p.m.
February's selection is The Road by Cormac McCarthy. This is a discussion group, not a book review, and we always welcome new members. Please RSVP to 214-670-1350.
AUTHORSPEAK
The Dallas Public Library and the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth have joined together to present Authorspeak, a literary series featuring nationally known and bestselling authors. This partnership brings to the metroplex a series with a unique focus unlike any other author series currently offered. These two distinguished speakers will open our lives to the world through their extraordinary books.
• Willie Brown, Thursday, February 28, 6:30 p.m.
• Ted Fishman, Thursday, March 6, 6:30 p.m.
• Lectures will begin with a reception at 6 p.m.
• J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, 7th floor.
Ticket Prices: Members of the Council and Library Friends
$20 per speaker
Non-members
$30 per speaker
For tickets or more information please visit: www.dfwworld.org
SPECIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR PROGRAMS. If you have special equipment, space, or language needs, call your local branch library or the Central library, 214- 670-1400,
214-670-1716 (TDD, TTY). Please call at least 48 hours before the event.
ASISTENCIA ESPECIAL DISPONIBLE PARA PROGRAMAS. Si usted tiene necesidades especiales de equipo, espacio, o idioma, llame a su biblioteca local o a la biblioteca del centro,
214-670-1750, 214-670-1716 (TDD/TTY). Por favor llame minimo de 48 horas antes del programa.
January 21, 2008
From the desk of Rep. Allen Vaught
The start of 2008 brought about new laws in Texas. Twenty two pieces of legislation were passed during the last session and went into effect on January 1, 2008. Here is a listing of the new laws that affect the Dallas area with a brief description of each:
Taxation
• HB 316 clarifies that municipally owned airports would be exempt from paying property taxes. Previously, county owned municipal airports were not tax exempt, while city owned municipal airports were.
• HB 621 exempts certain warehouse inventory from taxation to ensure the Texas warehousing industry is competitive with neighboring states.
• HB 1751 institutes a $5 dollar tax on each customer of a venue providing nude entertainment. Up to $25 million of the collected tax per biennium will help fund the state's sexual assault program fund, and any excess taxes raised will go to the general revenue fund.
• HB 3191 provides a 100% property tax exemption to property owned by a non-profit organization for the purpose of constructing single-family dwellings for sale to low income individuals or families.
• SB 812 enables a non-profit corporation that engages primarily in providing chilled water and steam to eligible health institutions to receive a property tax exemption.
• SB 1405 requires the chief appraiser to prepare for each county, city, and school district in the appraisal district an estimate of the taxable value of the property in their respective taxing units. Currently, the chief appraiser is only required to give this information to school districts, however the information is useful for all entities.
• HB 3495 changes the language on notices for public meetings about tax increases in an attempt to make the notice more understandable.
Property
• HB 538 allows a property owner to postpone their appraisal protest one time without showing cause. The law also extends the postponement time period from 15 days to 30 days.
• HB 1460 amends to the Occupations Code to provide greater consumer protections for owners of manufactured homes.
• HB 271 requires the seller of a home to disclose any known previous use of the house for the manufacture of methamphetamines.
• HB 2207 protects home buyers by requiring sellers to disclose liens and risks to the buyer before purchasing real estate that does not have a title insurance policy or all recorded liens paid within 30 days of the sale.
• HB 3101 provides landlord-tenant reforms to ensure fair business dealings while prohibiting illegitimate and illegal practices that take advantage of vulnerable tenants.
• HB 3496 requires the delivery notice of the appraised value of a single-family residence by April 1st of each year or as soon as practicable thereafter to allow homeowners more time to protest appraisal values.
Vehicles and Transportation
• HB 310 amends the Transportation Code by transferring the registration and license plate of a vehicle with the person selling the car.
• HB 481 amends the Transportation Code to allow the seller of a vehicle to register the sale with TxDOT through the website of the agency instead of filing the transfer notice. The law also creates a fine not to exceed $200 if the person is the seller of a used car and does not provide the purchaser with a license, receipt, and evidence of title upon delivery of the vehicle. The law also increases the fine for the buyer of a used car who does not register the title within the 20-business-day period.
I hope this provides everyone with a basic understanding of the new laws that have recently gone into effect. Further information can be found about each of the new laws at www.legis.state.tx.us or by contacting my office at 214-370-8305.
Taxation
• HB 316 clarifies that municipally owned airports would be exempt from paying property taxes. Previously, county owned municipal airports were not tax exempt, while city owned municipal airports were.
• HB 621 exempts certain warehouse inventory from taxation to ensure the Texas warehousing industry is competitive with neighboring states.
• HB 1751 institutes a $5 dollar tax on each customer of a venue providing nude entertainment. Up to $25 million of the collected tax per biennium will help fund the state's sexual assault program fund, and any excess taxes raised will go to the general revenue fund.
• HB 3191 provides a 100% property tax exemption to property owned by a non-profit organization for the purpose of constructing single-family dwellings for sale to low income individuals or families.
• SB 812 enables a non-profit corporation that engages primarily in providing chilled water and steam to eligible health institutions to receive a property tax exemption.
• SB 1405 requires the chief appraiser to prepare for each county, city, and school district in the appraisal district an estimate of the taxable value of the property in their respective taxing units. Currently, the chief appraiser is only required to give this information to school districts, however the information is useful for all entities.
• HB 3495 changes the language on notices for public meetings about tax increases in an attempt to make the notice more understandable.
Property
• HB 538 allows a property owner to postpone their appraisal protest one time without showing cause. The law also extends the postponement time period from 15 days to 30 days.
• HB 1460 amends to the Occupations Code to provide greater consumer protections for owners of manufactured homes.
• HB 271 requires the seller of a home to disclose any known previous use of the house for the manufacture of methamphetamines.
• HB 2207 protects home buyers by requiring sellers to disclose liens and risks to the buyer before purchasing real estate that does not have a title insurance policy or all recorded liens paid within 30 days of the sale.
• HB 3101 provides landlord-tenant reforms to ensure fair business dealings while prohibiting illegitimate and illegal practices that take advantage of vulnerable tenants.
• HB 3496 requires the delivery notice of the appraised value of a single-family residence by April 1st of each year or as soon as practicable thereafter to allow homeowners more time to protest appraisal values.
Vehicles and Transportation
• HB 310 amends the Transportation Code by transferring the registration and license plate of a vehicle with the person selling the car.
• HB 481 amends the Transportation Code to allow the seller of a vehicle to register the sale with TxDOT through the website of the agency instead of filing the transfer notice. The law also creates a fine not to exceed $200 if the person is the seller of a used car and does not provide the purchaser with a license, receipt, and evidence of title upon delivery of the vehicle. The law also increases the fine for the buyer of a used car who does not register the title within the 20-business-day period.
I hope this provides everyone with a basic understanding of the new laws that have recently gone into effect. Further information can be found about each of the new laws at www.legis.state.tx.us or by contacting my office at 214-370-8305.
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