The article highlights several strange and outdated laws still technically in effect in the Midland-Odessa area of Texas as of 2025. Examples include a Midland law prohibiting horses from standing idle downtown for more than 30 minutes without a permit, an Odessa ordinance banning roller skating on sidewalks near business centers, and a Midland County regulation forbidding businesses from displaying bathtubs in storefront windows. These laws, originating decades ago, now seem largely irrelevant or humorous given modern city life.
Additionally, the article mentions an old Ector County law that once banned dances after midnight unless law enforcement was present, evoking a “Footloose”-style small-town vibe. It also notes that many states, including Texas, have numerous strange but technically enforceable laws on the books. The piece encourages readers to be aware of such laws to avoid violations, while acknowledging their often outdated or peculiar nature.