Austin, Texas, November 27, 2025
A series of new laws in Texas set to take effect from December 2025 into January 2026 aim to impact various sectors such as business, education, law enforcement, and public health. Key changes include increased property tax exemptions for business inventories, the replacement of the STAAR test in education, and new restrictions on abortion medications. Additionally, new regulations on data privacy and the elimination of mandatory vehicle safety inspections will be introduced, revealing significant legislative shifts that could reshape many aspects of life in Texas.
New Texas Laws Taking Effect in 2025-2026
Key Legislative Changes Impacting Business, Education, and More
Austin, Texas – A series of new laws will take effect in Texas starting December 2025 and January 2026, impacting various sectors including business, education, law enforcement, and public health. Below is an overview of the key legislative changes to be aware of.
Business and Taxation
Property Tax Exemption for Business Inventory
House Bill 9 increases the property tax exemption for business inventory from $2,500 to $125,000. This change, effective January 1, 2026, aims to provide relief to businesses by reducing their taxable inventory value. However, local governments may experience a reduction in revenue, estimated at $442 million in fiscal year 2027, unless they adjust tax rates accordingly.
Education
Replacement of STAAR Test
House Bill 8 replaces the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test with three shorter assessments administered throughout the school year. This change, effective December 2025, seeks to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of student progress and reduce the emphasis on a single high-stakes test.
Law Enforcement and Public Safety
Cooperation with Immigration Enforcement
Senate Bill 8 mandates that sheriffs in counties operating jails cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the 287(g) program. This law, effective January 1, 2026, requires sheriffs to assist in immigration enforcement actions and allows them to apply for grants ranging from $80,000 to $140,000, depending on the county’s population, to support their participation.
Public Health
Abortion Medication Restrictions
House Bill 7 prohibits the manufacture, distribution, and mailing of abortion medication in Texas. Effective December 4, 2025, the law authorizes private citizens to file civil lawsuits against individuals or entities violating these prohibitions, with statutory damages of at least $100,000 per violation.
Digital Privacy
Texas Data Privacy and Security Act Updates
Effective January 1, 2026, updates to the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act grant Texans enhanced control over their personal data. Residents can now use browser settings, extensions, or device features to opt out of companies collecting and processing their personal information. This expansion builds on previous protections, allowing consumers to prevent targeted advertising, data sales, and profiling based on their data. Companies must make it clear that opting out is the user’s choice, not a default setting.
Judicial System
Establishment of New Judicial Districts
Effective January 1, 2026, the 477th judicial district will be established in Denton County, and the 499th judicial district will serve Edwards, Gillespie, and Kimble counties. These additions aim to alleviate caseloads in existing courts and improve judicial efficiency across Texas.
Vehicle Safety
Elimination of Mandatory Vehicle Safety Inspections
Effective January 1, 2026, non-commercial vehicles will no longer require annual safety inspections. Instead, a $7.50 fee, termed the “inspection program replacement fee,” will be added to vehicle registration fees. This change is intended to streamline the registration process and reduce costs for vehicle owners. However, emissions testing may still be required in certain counties, such as Travis, Harris, and Dallas, due to local ordinances. Vehicle owners should check their county’s regulations to determine if emissions testing remains mandatory.
Key Features of the New Texas Laws
| Law | Effective Date | Key Provisions |
|---|---|---|
| House Bill 9 | January 1, 2026 | Increases property tax exemption for business inventory from $2,500 to $125,000. |
| House Bill 8 | December 2025 | Replaces STAAR test with three shorter assessments throughout the school year. |
| Senate Bill 8 | January 1, 2026 | Requires sheriffs in counties operating jails to cooperate with ICE under the 287(g) program. |
| House Bill 7 | December 4, 2025 | Prohibits manufacture, distribution, and mailing of abortion medication; allows civil lawsuits against violators. |
| Texas Data Privacy and Security Act Updates | January 1, 2026 | Enhances control over personal data; allows opting out of data collection via browser settings and device features. |
| New Judicial Districts | January 1, 2026 | Establishes 477th district in Denton County and 499th district serving Edwards, Gillespie, and Kimble counties. |
| Elimination of Mandatory Vehicle Safety Inspections | January 1, 2026 | Non-commercial vehicles no longer require annual safety inspections; $7.50 fee replaces inspection requirement. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is House Bill 9, and when does it take effect?
House Bill 9 increases the property tax exemption for business inventory from $2,500 to $125,000, effective January 1, 2026. This change aims to provide relief to businesses by reducing their taxable inventory value.
How does House Bill 8 affect student assessments?
House Bill 8 replaces the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test with three shorter assessments administered throughout the school year, effective December 2025. This change seeks to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of student progress and reduce the emphasis on a single high-stakes test.
What does Senate Bill 8 require from sheriffs in Texas?
Senate Bill 8 mandates that sheriffs in counties operating jails cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the 287(g) program, effective January 1, 2026. Sheriffs are required to assist in immigration enforcement actions and can apply for grants ranging from $80,000 to $140,000, depending on the county’s population, to support their participation.
What restrictions does House Bill 7 impose on abortion medication?
House Bill 7 prohibits the manufacture, distribution, and mailing of abortion medication in Texas, effective December 4, 2025. The law authorizes private citizens to file civil lawsuits against individuals or entities violating these prohibitions, with statutory damages of at least $100,000 per violation.
How does the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act affect personal data control?
Effective January 1, 2026, updates to the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act grant Texans enhanced control over their personal data. Residents can now use browser settings, extensions, or device features to opt out of companies collecting and processing their personal information. This expansion builds on previous protections, allowing consumers to prevent targeted advertising, data sales, and profiling based on their data. Companies must make it clear that opting out is the user’s choice, not a default setting.
What are the new judicial districts established in Texas?
Effective January 1, 2026, the 477th judicial district will be established in Denton County, and the 499th judicial district will serve Edwards, Gillespie, and Kimble counties. These additions aim to alleviate caseloads in existing courts and improve judicial efficiency across Texas.
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