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The Rundown: 10 Texas laws you definitely won't regret knowing

Stories by Fort Worth Star-Telegram journalists, with AI summarization

This set of Star-Telegram stories highlights unique aspects of Texas law, from how a masked protester could face penalties to how using Google Maps while driving could land you a fine.

Read the stories below.

Is finding something in public places yours to take? What Texas law says about finders keepers. By Cosmin Gavris

NO. 1: IF I FIND SOMETHING LOST, CAN I KEEP IT? HERE’S WHAT A TEXAS LAWYER SAYS

Is finding a lost item considered stealing? Know before you take home treasures from the beach or another public area. | Published July 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Ella Gonzales

UC Davis law student Shaun Sulur stands in front of Mrak Hall with other students during a walkout on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. The group was protesting UCD’s suspension of the Law School’s student leadership organization, known as the LSA, after it resolved to boycott Israel for its actions in Gaza. By RENÉE C. BYER

NO. 2: CAN YOU WEAR A MASK AT A PROTEST IN TEXAS? HERE’S WHAT STATE LAW SAYS

Protests are planned across the country Saturday, June 14. | Published June 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tiffani Jackson

A Naples pharmaceutical company has recalled an OCD treatment drug. By Liz O. Baylen

NO. 3: HERE’S WHAT TEXAS LAW SAYS ABOUT SHARING PRESCRIPTION DRUGS WITH YOUR FRIENDS

You’ve got a few pills left over from an old prescription from when you were sick, and someone you care about is in pain.Maybe it’s a friend who forgot their meds or a family member who says their doctor didn’t give them enough. | Published July 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tiffani Jackson

Dogs must be on a leash when off their owner’s property in Fort Worth. By Helena Lopes

NO. 4: WHAT FORT WORTH LAW SAYS ABOUT KEEPING YOUR DOG ON A LEASH IN THE CITY

Editor’s note: | Published August 19, 2025 | Read Full Story by Brayden Garcia

A left-turn sign at a traffic light. By AS Photography, used with the Creative Commons license

NO. 5: YOUR LAST TURN AT A MEDIAN PROBABLY BROKE THIS TRAFFIC RULE. WHAT TEXAS LAW SAYS

Making a left turn across a median might sound simple, but it’s a move that trips up plenty of Texas drivers. | Published August 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tiffani Jackson

La plataforma Google fue demandada este martes por una familia estadounidense que culpa a su aplicación Google Maps de haber proporcionado indicaciones erróneas al padre de la misma, que se murió tras caer de un puente medio derruido al que ese sistema de navegación le había dirigido. By SOPA Images

NO. 6: IS IT ILLEGAL TO USE GOOGLE MAPS WHILE DRIVING IN TEXAS? WHAT THE LAW SAYS

If you’ve ever tapped a map app at a stoplight or glanced at directions while merging onto the highway, you may have wondered, “Could I get pulled over for this?” Cell phone laws in Texas go beyond just texting bans, and they can trip up even cautious drivers. | Published August 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tiffani Jackson

Two women in a car. By Diana, used with the Creative Commons license.

NO. 7: WHAT TEXAS LAW SAYS ABOUT DRINKING ALCOHOL IN THE CAR AS A PASSENGER

You might think that as long as you’re not the one behind the wheel, having a drink in the car is no big deal.But Texas law doesn’t see it that way. | Published August 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tiffani Jackson

NO. 8: JALEN CARTER, DAK PRESCOTT INCIDENT: WHAT TEXAS LAW SAYS ABOUT SPITTING

The NFL season opener between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys took a turn just seconds into the game when Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter seemingly spit on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. | Published September 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tiffani Jackson

North Crowley head coach Ray Gates directs traffic on the field during the first half of a UIL football game between DeSoto and North Crowley at Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, Friday, Sept. 05, 2025. By Bob Booth

NO. 9: WHAT A NEW TEXAS LAW SAYS ABOUT HECKLING STUDENT ATHLETES AT SPORTING EVENTS

If you’re planning to attend a school sporting event in Texas, you may want to think twice before shouting at the refs or heckling players. | Published September 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tiffani Jackson

The Terminal A baggage claim at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, photographed on March 26, 2013. By Max Faulkner

NO. 10: HOW MUCH CASH CAN YOU FLY WITH IN TEXAS? HERE’S WHAT THE LAW SAYS

Flying with cash isn’t against the law, but it can still land travelers in difficult situations. | Published September 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tiffani Jackson

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.