The Texas Legislature's spring session may be remembered for its host of so-called distractions, but lawmakers did pass more than 650 new laws which will take effect September 1.

"There was a lot of drama," said State Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin. "But we are making laws that actually impact everyday life."

The new laws that could hit to home include a host of bills dealing with criminal justice, and some higher standards for students.

High school athletes will soon face random steroid testing. The University Interscholastic League says the testing will begin before the end of this fall's football season.

And students in public schools will face higher physical education requirements, as part of legislation aimed at combating rising obesity rates.

Insurance premiums could rise for some Texas drivers. Lawmakers increased minimum liability standards for insurance, beginning with policies renewed after April 1 of next year.

In the criminal justice arena, lawmakers okayed what's known as "Jessica's Law". In the Texas version, repeat child molesters can be sentenced to death if the victim is younger than 14 years old.

"The Castle Doctrine" will also take effect soon. It will expand the use of deadly force in order to defend your home, car or workplace.

And owners of dangerous dogs could face felony charges if their animals do serious bodily harm or kill someone.

"We want the Legislature to be here as little as possible, because there's always the concern that we may do too much damage, but in fact there's a lot of positive things that happen in the legislature, too," said Howard.

Soon, the laws that came to dominate legislators' lives in the spring, could change the lives of regular Texans.