Read about 10 stories affecting parents, students and community members zoned to Hays CISD, from bond projects to STEM programming and more.

1. Voters reject Hays CISD tax rate proposition: Hays County Elections Office is reporting 40.25% of voters for and 59.75% against the proposed tax rate.

2. Unofficial votes show 4 out of 5 Hays CISD bond propositions earn voter approval: Four out of five of the propositions for HCISD’s $968.65 million bond package received over 50% of voter approval.

3. Hays CISD calls for November tax-rate election; cites financial strain: The board of trustees voted unanimously to call for a tax rate election, which would raise the property tax rate for property owners within the district.

4. Hays CISD voters to see $968.65M bond on May ballot: As demographers project Hays CISD to double in size over the next decade, school bond elections are becoming more regular in the district, Superintendent Eric Wright said.

Former San Marcos real estate broker Chad Hardin shifted careers over the summer when he opened Caring Transitions of San Marcos & Kyle, a franchise that guides families through senior-related life transitions.

Hardin spoke with Community Impact about how families can recognize when it may be time to seek help, what red flags to watch for and more.

Can you share an example of a family you’ve helped?
I recently helped a senior couple who were struggling with safety concerns in their home. Instead of moving them, we focused on making their current space safer through decluttering, organizing and adding necessary home modifications. With those adjustments, they were able to remain in the home they loved, stay independent and live more comfortably.

What is one thing you want seniors and their adult children to know?
Start the conversation early by being proactive about housing decisions. I can help you explore all options thoughtfully and avoid making rushed decisions during a crisis.

City staff in New Braunfels continue to work on trail projects throughout the community to help improve mobility and walkability for residents.

At a glance: Jeff Bransford, New Braunfels' park development manager, said trails are the most popular and requested park and recreation amenity in New Braunfels.

"I think one of the reasons that they're so popular is that they can be enjoyed by just about everyone regardless of age or ability," Bransford said.

Alligator Creek Trail-Sunflower Ridge: This multimodal trail will fill a gap in the Sunflower Ridge subdivision, extending the Alligator Creek Trail.

Mission Hill Park-Phase 2: This park will be the city's highest observation point with trails. It will also have a meeting room space for 25-30 people.

Dry Comal Creek Trail: This trail will feature a multiuse hike-and-bike trail along Dry Comal Creek, connecting Landa Park to the city limits.

Waterway Lane: The trail will connect Gruene Road to FM 306. The corridor is right of way that the city no longer intends to use as a road, Bransford said.

Approximately three dozen new Texas laws are scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, impacting how artificial intelligence is used in state government, when local officials can raise taxes after natural disasters and how much of businesses' inventory is taxed.

The background: The changes come after Texas’s biennial legislative session ended in early June. Gov. Greg Abbott signed over 1,100 laws passed by state lawmakers, many of which took effect in June or September.

The details: Some of the bills becoming law in the new year are:

• House Bill 9, which will expand a tax exemption for business owners
• House Bill 30, which will tighten regulations on counties' and cities' abilities to raise tax rates after natural disasters
• House Bill 149, which will regulate the fast-growing AI industry
• House Bill 247, which will exempt certain border security infrastructure from property tax increases
• House Bill 1399, which will create a property tax exemption for stores selling animal feed
• House Bill 2508, which will establish a property tax exemption for the surviving spouse of certain military members