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Nearly two-dozen new state laws are in effect in Texas as of New Year's Day. Most of the bills passed by the Texas Legislature in 2021 went into effect in September, but 23 others became law on January 1st. The new laws include a requirement for large cities to hold an election as to whether to cut or reallocate funding for police departments. Another grants several property tax exemptions for nonprofits that house the homeless at more than one location. Another extends a tax exemption from six to ten-years for places of worship that are building or expanding their facilities.