Weird Laws: Dumb, Stupid & Funny Laws in the US - Reader's Digest In 1836, Texas had short-term capitals namely Harrisburg, Columbia, Galveston, Washington-on-the-Brazos, and Velasco. Texas Law #1: Selling Your Organs is Illegal. This is one of those laws you might wish was illegal in your town. Weve all been there. No 'lewd and lascivious' behavior before marriage, No hunting on Sundays, unless you're killing raccoons, No forbidding people from putting up clotheslines, You can't hold public office if you've been in a duel, Biting off someone's limb could earn you 20 years in prison, If your dangerous animal escapes, you have to report it to the authorities, You need permission to exterminate a pigeon, No mask wearing, unless you're at a party, No bulletproof vests while committing murder, Pregnant women can technically commit murder, No marriage if you have a venereal disease, Live entertainment must remain on stage while performing, Its a crime to have more than one illegitimate child, You must sing the national anthem correctly, No dancing at a bar that sells alcohol - unless the bar has a permit, It's illegal to dye baby chicks, other fowls or rabbits, Cannibalism is illegal (except in extreme circumstances), Town records can't be kept where liquor is sold, No eating frogs that die in frog-jumping contests, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 6. The biggest statue that resembles a human in the United States is the statue of the first president of the Republic of Texas, Sam Houston. State law stipulates that "a person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree if he deals in humanity, by trading, bartering, buying, selling, or dealing in infant children. 17. Even if you visited a nursing home resident, you were prohibited from playing bingo with them. Pi is a long, irrational number, and it's tough to remember. While it was considered illegal to possess at one time, Texas residents can now own a set of Encyclopedia Britannica. Blood and hair are a-ok. You could get up to a year in jail for this class A misdemeanor if the judge or jury convicts you of selling an organ. Texas Has Some Pretty Weird Laws. Even though today there are many legal options for home beer making, if youre caught with the books you can be fined or do some jail time. Read More: Austin Releases a COVID-19 Plan to Restore Events This Year. Throughout the state, you'll also find that there are legal consequences for shooting a buffalo from a hotel window. As much as we all might want some fresh dairy in the morning, its illegal to milk another persons cow without permission. So why not skip the formalities and do it the Texan way instead? In 1931, West Virginia passed a law banning "lewd and lascivious cohabitation and conduct before marriage." In Texas, you are likely to come across armadillos, black bears, jaguarundis, leopard frogs, and tiger salamanders. Learn how your comment data is processed. Think again. In Texas, you can legally marry someone if you publicly proclaim that the person is your husband or wife three times. Three common misconceptions concerning Texas are oil dependency, guns, and the western lifestyle. It's illegal to get married in Nebraska if you have venereal disease (though courts have later clarified that if the other spouse is aware of the disease at the time of marriage, they can't try to annul the marriage later on these grounds). Colorful lawmen and hard-line justice are part of Texas DNA. The new law also adds several misdemeanors. The very first declaration of Texas independence was signed on the 20th of December in 1835 when Texas became an independent nation. The worst game of chicken. Raccoons, take note. If it was your cow, you wouldnt want anyone stealing your milk. Each separate county in Texas is administered by an administrative, the commissioners court. 7 Weird Laws That Can Get You in Trouble in Texas - Law and Liberty Blog But there are still a good amount out there that leave us scratching our heads. Texas statistically has a higher percentage of religious or religion-practicing residents than the rest of the country. Next time you're looking for an adrenaline rush in Louisiana, maybe avoid wrestling a bear. With its reputation for rugged individualism, you might think that a state like Texas would be lacking when it came to weird laws. Because I care, I went deep into the Gettysburg Times archives and found, from. Those are the most surprising laws we know of. Dana has extensive professional writing experience including technical and report writing, informational articles, persuasive articles, contrast and comparison, grant applications, and advertisement. The 50 Craziest State Food Laws - MSN Coverage and discounts are subject to qualifications and policy terms and may vary by situation. Listen online or download the iHeart App. If you want to find an answer to a question, stick to Google. Dont put wire-cutters in your pockets, 8. As plaintiff attorneys, we believe the law can do the most good when its used to help the injured rebuild their lives. 4. Prior to World War II, the Texan economy thrived on cattle, cotton, timber, and oil. Still, it makes for an interesting explanation! The law is a powerful thing. The average cost of living in Texas is 7% lower than the national average. The entire encyclopedia is banned in Texas because it contains a formula for making beer at home. At one point, it was illegal in the state to top a slice of cherry pie with a scoop of ice cream. Unless you have the $5 permit you need to walk around barefoot. The Texas Agriculture Code states that, "a notice of intent [to modify the weather] must be published at least once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general. Texas has 254 counties and it is easily twice the size of Germany! A couple of hundred years down the line, no ones yet got round to lifting it. Weird Texas Laws That Still Exist | iHeart Tex-Sex Laws: Legislating Lust In The Lone Star State Not to worry though, you can get a permit for about $5, and then youre free to live your best no-shoes life. We dont know that it has, but its nice to be prepared. The French were the first to colonize Texas in 1685 where they established a colony in Matagorda bay but they were later driven out by the Spanish. Next time you're in Grand Rapids, Ohio, be careful with your foreign animal. Get caught flicking through its pages, and you could technically wind up with a hefty fine or even jail time. State law holds that "no person shall move uphill on any passenger tramway or use any ski slope or trail while such person's ability to do so is impaired by the consumption of alcohol or by the use of any illicit controlled substance or other drug. Everywhere in the world, you can find weird laws and Texas is no exception. Its illegal, so youll have to wait until Monday. Definitely look around for a bench if your feet are tired. Statewide, Texas legislatures from generations past have enacted some real weirdness that was supposed to be enforced throughout the state. If you're driving through Hawaii, you won't find anything blocking the state's gorgeous scenery - billboards are illegal. You can find her writing blog posts and articles while sitting under a tree at the local park watching her kids play, or typing away on her tablet in line at the DMV. Don't bother trying to keep your fingers clean if you're devouring fried chicken in Georgia. But in 1982, a drunk Ozzy Osbourne (dressed in a skirt) did the unthinkable when he took a pee on a historic cenotaph at the site. This website contains general information and is not intended to serve as a source of legal advice for any purpose. Its also illegal to make offensive gestures at public events, drive a motor car down Broadway before noon on Sunday, or imbibe alcohol in a city park without express permission from the director of parks and recreation. The rule was introduced on October 13, 1939, "as a war measure to alleviate mental strain on the populace," and has technically been in effect since. The governor in Texas has limited power. For more than 50 years, the country's leading training, research, and flight control programs have been conducted here. In Delaware, it's illegal for a pawnbroker to "take or receive as a pledge or pawn any artificial limb or wheelchair.". Weird Laws In Texas Make These 12 Things Illegal To Do - OnlyInYourState While we dont know if any court would uphold the enforcement of that law, its still interesting to note how and when the law governed personal conduct or fashion. And, the George H. W. Bush (Sr.) began his political career in Texas but born in Massachusetts.). In Tennessee, you are breaking the law if you drive while sleeping. It is illegal to raise alligators in your home. Remember how your mother always told you not to eat with your mouth full? This weird law in Texas is based on property theft. In Rockville, it's illegal to "profanely curse and swear or use obscene language upon or near any street, sidewalk or highway within the hearing of persons passing by, upon or along such street, sidewalk or highway.". Unless youve handed over money for your own cow and have the papers to prove it, youll have to stick to buying your milk at the grocery store. But what makes it also diverse and unique are the many different weird laws in the US. The law is always changing, as it should: the law reflects the needs of the society or community that writes them. 50 Dumb Laws From Across the United States - WorldAtlas Jefferson, Missouri, has a strict attitude towards garage sales. In order to be eligible for an elected position, you have to acknowledge the existence of a supreme being (via Stupid Laws). It is illegal for kids to have unusual haircuts in Mesquite, Texas. Bigfoot hunters, beware. Again, its highly doubtful that a police officer is going to pull you over, but stick to socks if youre in any doubt. No matter what. No Concealed Carry of Wire Cutters In Austin, you're not allowed to carry wire cutters in your pocket. In certain sections of the University Hill neighborhood in Boulder, Colorado, a law was passed in 2001 to prohibit the use of indoor furniture outside - no couches on front lawns or porches. So, if you plan on getting up to no good, be sure to let your planned victim know in advance, and dont forget to spell out exactly what you intend to do to them. Theres a law in Lubbock stating that it is illegal to drive within arms length of alcohol. Thats why weve committed ourselves to representing the victims of every kind of accidentso they can get everything they need to recover. You're also not allowed to sit down on a sidewalk. A confusingly worded law designed to ban internet cafes involved in illegal gambling prompted a lawsuit, arguing that the ban could be interpreted to apply to any internet-connected device. However, when those laws address specific needs that no longer apply (or have no context), you end up with legal codes that appear more and more ridiculous over time. This is only legal in four states . Texas is home to Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Stafford a city in Houston. Its not. The 86th Texas Legislature didn't get too crazy. There are a total of two national parks in Texas: the Guadalupe Mountains national park and the Big Bend national park. Thankfully for math students across the state, a mathematician intervened and the bill stalled in the Senate and never passed. We feel like this law may have instead been made for raccoons. It's illegal in Vermont to prohibit clotheslines. In 1979, a tropical storm named Claudette caused unceasing rains that resulted in 45 inches of rain in a location adjacent to Alvin, Texas. The same applies to your heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, skin, and other organs or tissues. Turns out, she was as passionate about writing for a living as she was horseback riding or rock climbing. You might be tempted to milk your neighbor's cow, but you had better get their permission first. Here at UrbanMatter, we pride ourselves on leading the charge when it comes to Austin entertainment. 8 Hilarious & Weird Laws That Are Enforced in Texas Atheists are barred from holding public office in Texas. According to the Tennessee Constitution, it's illegal to hold public office if a person does any of the following: "fight a duel, or knowingly be the bearer of a challenge to fight a duel, or send. Its a law that no longer applies, but still gets used by some of the largest maritime companies in existence. Robert Woodrow Wilson- Nobel prize winner, Bessie Coleman- first African-American woman to become a licensed pilot. This weird law exists because one of the volumes contains a recipe for making beer at home. Makes me suspect the rest of this article is BS. 50 Weirdest Laws in the USA - One From Every State StayCurious 43.1K subscribers Subscribe 121K views 2 years ago #USA #America #WeirdLaws Get access to all of our online courses:. From serving beer to elephants to eating peanuts in church, we've rounded up the weirdest, wackiest food laws from across the country. If youre wondering about the little things, give your Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent a call to make sure you know the ins and outs of your policy so you never get surprised. Announce it 3 times in public instead! Resorting to the Encyclopedia Britannica might get you in trouble. Claudette, considered the deadliest natural disaster, caused devastation that cost the state $600 million in damages. Weddings are expensive. Statewide, Texas legislatures from generations past have enacted some real weirdness that was supposed to be enforced throughout the state. That being said, its probably a good idea to avoid shooting buffalos from your hotel room, regardless of which floor youre on. To hold a seat in public office, you must acknowledge the existence of a supreme being, 2. But no weird sex law story would be complete without mentioning San Antonio. According to the Kansas Secretary of State, it's unclear how this law originated or whether it's still technically on the books, but - fortunately for dessert lovers - it's not enforced. She also enjoys creative writing, content writing on nearly any topic (particularly business and lifestyle), because as a lifelong learner, she loves to do research and possess a high skill level in this area. It's illegal to sell or display "living baby chicks, ducklings, goslings, or other fowl or rabbits which have been dyed, colored or otherwise treated so as to impart to them an artificial color. ", If you want your fortune told, you won't find it in Yamhill, Oregon. Doing so without your neighbor's consent can result in a fine (via Our Community Now). 50 dumb laws in America. In the city of Harker Heights in Bell County, drivers of all vehicles owned or operated by the United States, the state of Texas, or any county, town, district, or any other political subdivision of the state should observe all city road laws. Not only is it disgusting and quite possibly a health hazard, but its also a crime. The local authority was forced to pass an ordinance prohibiting the use of wire-cutters after an outcry from Austin residents. Every state has a weird law on the books that may have made sense at some point in history but seems pretty ridiculous in 2019. Maybe it would be fine to use a washrag. A memorial was built at the Alamo to honor the fallen heroes. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. However, these weird or outlandish laws are actually on the books, whether they're enforced or not.. Any person who sits on a sidewalk may be fined up to $500 in Texas. Texas has ten of the 21 counties in the United States in which more than a fifth of residents are inmates, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. The Texas state capitol building is faced in pink granite and is 7 feet higher than the U.S. national capitol. In 2016, the discriminatory language - which referred to mentally disabled people - was finally repealed. 50 dumb laws in America - Police1 circulation in each county in which the operation is to be conducted." Lets take a look at some of the weirdest ones below: In Austin, youre not allowed to carry wire cutters in your pocket. In South Carolina, a law once made a man guilty of a misdemeanor if he seduced an unmarried woman using "deception and promise of marriage." But sometimes, in their dedication to legislation, Texas lawmakers have gotten a little, well, goofy. Until 2015, Minnesota law limited nursing homes and senior centers to just two days of bingo per week. Allegedly, it came from a time when ranchers disputed over open ranges vs. fencing off their land. So concerned is the city about the threat of civilians taking up valuable sidewalk space, theyre prepared to fine anyone caught doing it a stonking $500. The law was passed in 1951 and seeks to reduce fire accidents caused by mishandling of flammable material by untrained personnel, and anyone violating this law is liable for a $500 fine. Profiting from the sale of your eye, heart, lung, or any other organ within the boundaries of the state is punishable by law. 6 273 votes Obnoxious odors We dont know that it has, but its nice to be prepared. Mississippi once passed a law stipulating that any person who has already had an illegitimate child and again becomes the parent of an illegitimate child within the state is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by fines, jail time or both. Why? It was the 28th state to join the Union. We scoured the law books in every state to find the weirdest law that's been passed in each one (some have been repealed, but some are shockingly still on the books). It's not clear if any specific incident sparked the initial passage of this law. Next time you want to sit down, find a cafe instead. But if youre a train driver, take heed. According to a Gainesville proclamation passed in 1961 designed to promote Gainesville as a poultry center, it's illegal to eat fried chicken with a fork. 45 Weird Laws Still on the Books - Mental Floss Bush is from Massachusetts and W is from Connecticut. In Rhode Island, you can face up to 20 years in prison if you "put out an eye, slit the nose, ear, or lip, or cut off, bite off, or disable any limb or member of another. Why? The Texas State capitol building is similar to the United States Capitol. Here are some weird laws still in effect in the Lone Star State. Besides these, Colorado has ongoing employment opportunities in aviation,, Read More The 10 Cheapest Places to Live in ColoradoContinue. Every state has old and archaic laws on their books. The oldest county in Houston county which is turning 185 years old in 2022. Alabama Putting salt on a railroad track could be punishable [] ", Wisconsin takes its cheese seriously. Texas is the sole state that became part of the United States through a signed treaty and not an annexation. The only requirements (from the state) are that both parties must be at least 18 years old, unmarried, and not related to each other. It no longer solely depends on the strength of oil. Living in Texas is amazingly affordable. Allegedly, it came from a time when ranchers disputed over open ranges vs. fencing off their land. Better not try to pronounce Arkansas phonetically - the provision specifically says that " pronunciation with the accent on the second syllable with the sound of "a" in "man" and the sounding of the terminal "s" is an innovation to be discouraged.". And also what about that is illegal, other than it is just a strange activity with a great visual image. This being the days before CCTV, it was tricky to work out who the perp was. No mention of bringing it onto the dance floor, however. #1: Selling your organs According to the Texas Penal Code Section 48.02, it's against the law to sell human organs. It was erected and unveiled in 1994 when Texas. In the Lone Star State, the blind or partially sighted are allowed to legally hunt, so long as they are accompanied by a person who has good eyesight. However, if you pay a doctor, the physician can remove your eyes legally. AUSTIN, Texas When the 2023 session of the Texas Legislature opened this week in Austin, it was another case of our law-making body facing 21st-century problems under a state constitution. While that could mean any number of emissions, theres one in particular that would be heinous in an enclosed space. 20 Weird Laws in Texas That Actually Still Exist - Money Inc As long as both parties are consenting, over 18, not already married, and of course not related; you can skip having to bother with getting a marriage license. Next time you're enjoying a night out in Michigan, you'd better think carefully about how you're going to get home. Weird Texas Laws You Should Avoid Breaking and One You Can 9. Opinion: Yes, Texas Has a Law Limiting Dildo Ownership, But Not Guns According to stupidlaws.com, the law stipulates that when two trains meet each other at a railroad crossing, each shall come to a full stop, and neither shall proceed until the other has gone. The coldest month in Texas is January with an average low temperature of 36F. According to click2houston.com, its not just cheese thats a problem residents are also prohibited from buying beer after midnight on a Sunday. 13 Surprising Marriage Laws You Might Be Breaking Right Now Use protection! It has the highest number of tornadoes since 1950 with an average of 120 per year. There is a reputation in Texas for strict law and order sentencing. Most At Risk of a Climate Change Disaster, Why You Should Consider Investing in Brookings, OR Real Estate, The 20 Worst Places to Live in New Jersey, The 10 Best Places to Live in the Tennessee Mountains, The 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Colorado, According to houston-criminalattorney.com, 20 Bizarre But Real Laws that Exist in New York, 20 Weird Utah Laws that are Actually Real, The 20 Weirdest Laws to Come from Tennessee, 20 Weird Laws in Alabama You Wont Believe are True, 20 Countries With the Least Amount of Debt, The 10 Most Expensive Skateboards in the World, The 10 Best Ducati Motorcycles of All-Time. It's illegal there to practice "occult arts" - defined as "fortune telling, astrology, phrenology, palmistry, clairvoyance, mesmerism, spiritualism, or any other practice or practices generally recognized to be unsound and unscientific whereby an attempt or pretense is made. Therefore, the state legislature voted to ban the set of books. It is illegal to sell Limburger cheese on Sunday. If youre in the mood for a grilled cheese sandwich, check the calendar first. Here's a look at some odd Texas laws that are still on the books The law states that only the owner, pump operator or employee is allowed to pump the gas. Individuals intending on committing a crime are supposed to give their victims 24-hours notice before it happens. 20 Bizarre But Real Laws that Exist in New York - Money Inc Texas has something called a proxy marriage, which allows one or both parties to be absent from the ceremony. Under Texas statutes, a person may not leave a vehicle unattended without stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key from the ignition, setting the parking brake effectively and, if standing on a slope, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway. In some cities, the laws do not allow you to be barefoot. Find out what the law says in your home state. Texas Penal Code 38.12 (a) makes it a felony to talk to someone in hopes of finding employment. If its a Sunday, be very, very, careful about your next steps. So if youre going the wrong way, youll have to take the long way around. These listings are not a guarantee or prediction of the outcome of any other claims. According to state law, a person is allowed to possess any number of live frogs for frog-jumping contests, but if a frog dies or is killed, "it must be destroyed as soon as possible, and may not be eaten or otherwise used for any purpose. Colorful Cascarones and Other Easter Traditions, The Ultimate Guide to Texas Gardens & Orchards. 4. The Dallas Cowboys emerged as champions in five out of a total of eight appearances in the Superbowl championships. Except this law technically applies to alcohol in someone elses bloodstream. Hopefully no one enforces it, or that could be a long train ride. This law seems pretty odd, but its mostly about trespassing and property theft. If you give in to temptation and give it a once over with a feather duster, youll technically be breaking the law. But then there is this mystery: Why would Clarendon prohibit the feather dusting of a public building? There are many more facts about Texas and you can go on YouTube and watch this video for more: The Lone Star State has a lot more to offer the world. Or maybe not in case it ever does happen to you, resist the urge to tuck in. Texas has a bicameral legislature with 31 representatives and a four-year term for each senator. Technically, theyre required of a kind and number to efficiently contain expectorations into them, so even just a single spittoon might do these days. Thanks to all the planning and coordination involved, they can also be a massive headache. dumblaws.com Utah Alcohol may not be sold during an emergency . Texas is divided into 7 regions: The Gulf Coast (Houston, Corpus Christi), Prairies and Lakes (Fort WorthHill Country (San Antonio, Austin), South Texas Plains (San Antonio), Big Bend Country (El Paso), Panhandle-Plains (Amarillo, Lubach), Dallas, Arlington) and the Pine Woods (Texarkana). There are plenty of urban legends and fake state laws circulating around the internet. After all, the law is the law, right? The law states that "no entertainer or performer whether male or female shall be permitted to leave such platform or area while entertaining or performing.". The bible might tell us not to covet our neighbors ass, but in Texas, its also frowned upon to desire their cow or at least, to milk them. If youre going to be a designated driver, youll either need to put your passenger in the back or have short arms. While we wouldn't expect any starry-eyed lovers to be arrested for this in the Alamo City, there's an urban legend. Might end up in the city jail for that. If you sit on a sidewalk there, you could get fined $500. Texas uses the plural executive branch system which means that all executive officers are answerable to the public and not to the governor. Use your eye or hands to flirt, and you could end up attracting as much attention from the law as from your love interest. In the town of Port Arthur, you'd better not break wind in the elevator. As it turns out, although Texas does not require driving with a windshield (allowing owners of vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler or Jeep Gladiator to fold down their windshields), Texas does require windshield wipers. However, in some towns, you can allegedly request a permit from the Director of Parks & Recreation to get drunk in a city park. The King Ranch in Texas is notably bigger than Rhode Island, which is the smallest state in the United States. Lily Wordsmith is a freelance writer who has had a love affair with the written word for decades. You've probably read about some strange laws that certain states or municipalities have enacted in the past. Make sure you've got your wits about you when singing the national anthem in Massachusetts. Those in favor of open ranges took to sneaking around with wire cutters and cutting any barbed wire they found. So, drink up while standing up.
