San Antonio, Texas, December 5, 2025
A series of new laws in Texas will take effect soon, bringing significant changes in areas such as healthcare, education, technology, housing, and taxation. The laws include a controversial abortion lawsuit provision allowing lawsuits against providers, a new standardized testing system for schools, and regulations for app stores regarding children’s access. Additionally, there’s a new framework for ethical AI use, expedited eviction processes, and updated business tax exemptions. These changes are poised to shape various aspects of daily life for Texans in the coming years.
San Antonio, Texas – New Laws Take Effect in December and January
San Antonio, Texas – A series of new laws are set to take effect in Texas starting December 4, 2025, and January 1, 2026, impacting various aspects of daily life, including healthcare, education, technology, housing, and taxation.
Healthcare and Reproductive Rights
Abortion Lawsuit Provision
Effective December 4, 2025, a new law allows individuals to sue abortion providers for a minimum of $100,000 if they perform or assist in an abortion. This provision aims to deter abortion services by imposing significant financial penalties on providers. Critics argue that it creates a “bounty hunter” system, potentially leading to increased litigation against healthcare professionals.
Education
Standardized Testing Overhaul
Beginning December 4, 2025, the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) will be replaced by three smaller exams administered throughout the year. This change follows widespread dissatisfaction with the STAAR system among parents, teachers, and students. The new testing format is expected to be implemented during the 2027-2028 school year.
Technology
Children and App Store Accountability
Starting January 1, 2026, the Texas App Store Accountability Act requires app stores to verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent before minors can download or purchase apps. While this law aims to protect children online, it has faced opposition from app store operators like Google and Apple, who argue that it undermines user privacy.
Artificial Intelligence Regulation
The Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act, effective January 1, 2026, establishes a framework for the ethical development and use of AI in Texas. The law prohibits AI systems that incite self-harm, violence, or criminal activity, and imposes penalties ranging from $10,000 to $200,000 for violations.
Housing and Taxes
Eviction Process Changes
Effective January 1, 2026, a new law expedites the eviction process for tenants occupying properties without legal permission, commonly referred to as “squatting.” Critics express concern that this law may limit tenant due process, as judges can rule in favor of landlords without a hearing.
Business Tax Exemptions
Beginning January 1, 2026, House Bill 9 allows business owners to exempt up to $125,000 in computers, furniture, and other company equipment from taxes, a significant increase from the previous $2,500 exemption. This tax cut is expected to cost the state $700 million in general revenue during the current budget cycle and save businesses an average of $500 per site.
Border Security
Property Tax Deductions for Border Security Infrastructure
Starting January 1, 2026, private property owners along Texas’ border with Mexico can deduct from their taxable property values any increase resulting from border security infrastructure installed by the government, including the border wall. This measure aims to offset the impact of border security measures on property values.
Political Measures
Quorum Break Penalties
Effective December 4, 2025, House Bill 18 increases fines for lawmakers who break quorum and prevents them from fundraising during such periods. Additionally, lawmakers risk losing seniority and committee positions, with a reduction of two years in seniority for each calendar day of quorum break. This law responds to previous instances where lawmakers left the state to prevent votes on specific legislation.
Congressional Redistricting
Texas’ new congressional map, which could shift five House districts from Democrats to Republicans, is set to take effect on December 4, 2025. However, a federal panel issued a preliminary injunction against the revised map, citing concerns of racial gerrymandering. The U.S. Supreme Court is currently reviewing the case.
Additional Information
For a comprehensive overview of these new laws and their implications, you can watch the following video:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the new law regarding abortion lawsuits in Texas?
Effective December 4, 2025, a new law allows individuals to sue abortion providers for a minimum of $100,000 if they perform or assist in an abortion. This provision aims to deter abortion services by imposing significant financial penalties on providers. Critics argue that it creates a “bounty hunter” system, potentially leading to increased litigation against healthcare professionals.
How will the standardized testing system change in Texas schools?
Beginning December 4, 2025, the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) will be replaced by three smaller exams administered throughout the year. This change follows widespread dissatisfaction with the STAAR system among parents, teachers, and students. The new testing format is expected to be implemented during the 2027-2028 school year.
What does the Texas App Store Accountability Act entail?
Starting January 1, 2026, the Texas App Store Accountability Act requires app stores to verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent before minors can download or purchase apps. While this law aims to protect children online, it has faced opposition from app store operators like Google and Apple, who argue that it undermines user privacy.
What are the new regulations on artificial intelligence in Texas?
The Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act, effective January 1, 2026, establishes a framework for the ethical development and use of AI in Texas. The law prohibits AI systems that incite self-harm, violence, or criminal activity, and imposes penalties ranging from $10,000 to $200,000 for violations.
How does the new law affect the eviction process in Texas?
Effective January 1, 2026, a new law expedites the eviction process for tenants occupying properties without legal permission, commonly referred to as “squatting.” Critics express concern that this law may limit tenant due process, as judges can rule in favor of landlords without a hearing.
What changes are being made to business tax exemptions in Texas?
Beginning January 1, 2026, House Bill 9 allows business owners to exempt up to $125,000 in computers, furniture, and other company equipment from taxes, a significant increase from the previous $2,500 exemption. This tax cut is expected to cost the state $700 million in general revenue during the current budget cycle and save businesses an average of $500 per site.
How does the new law impact property taxes for border security infrastructure?
Starting January 1, 2026, private property owners along Texas’ border with Mexico can deduct from their taxable property values any increase resulting from border security infrastructure installed by the government, including the border wall. This measure aims to offset the impact of border security measures on property values.
What penalties are imposed for lawmakers who break quorum in Texas?
Effective December 4, 2025, House Bill 18 increases fines for lawmakers who break quorum and prevents them from fundraising during such periods. Additionally, lawmakers risk losing seniority and committee positions, with a reduction of two years in seniority for each calendar day of quorum break. This law responds to previous instances where lawmakers left the state to prevent votes on specific legislation.
What is the status of the new congressional redistricting map in Texas?
Texas’ new congressional map, which could shift five House districts from Democrats to Republicans, is set to take effect on December 4, 2025. However, a federal panel issued a preliminary injunction against the revised map, citing concerns of racial gerrymandering. The U.S. Supreme Court is currently reviewing the case.
| Key Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Abortion Litigation | New law permits $100,000 lawsuits against abortion providers effective December 4, 2025. |
| Testing Overhaul | STAAR replaced by three smaller tests in 2025, impacting school assessments. |
| App Store Regulations | Age verification and parental consent required for minors starting January 1, 2026. |
| AI Governance | New ethical standards for AI development effective January 1, 2026. |
| Eviction Process | New swift eviction law for illegal occupants begins January 1, 2026. |
| Business Tax Exemptions | Exemptions raised to $125,000 under HB 9 starting January 1, 2026. |
| Border Security Deductions | Deductions for property owners affected by border security starting January 1, 2026. |
| Quorum Break Penalties | Increased fines and penalties for breaking quorum effective December 4, 2025. |
| Congressional Redistricting | New congressional map with potential shifts in party districts effective December 4, 2025. |
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