What's changing in Texas? Key laws start January 1

A new year comes with new laws in Texas.

Starting Jan. 1, Texans will see changes with 33 new laws that touch numerous issues from immigration enforcement to artificial intelligence.

Over 800 laws already took effect in Sept. 2025.

Here are a few key laws to look out for in the new year:

Senate Bill 8 mandates that most counties in Texas operating a jail must enter into a formaly work with U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement under the 287(g) program. Under this, sheriff’s offices will be authorized to assist federal immigration enforcement by serving warrants and questioning inmates about immigration status. The law also establishes state grants ($80,000–$140,000 based on county population) to support compliance. Supporters tout improved public safety and better coordination but critics warn it risks racial profiling and could erode community trust, discouraging immigrant victims and witnesses from reporting crimes.

Senate Bill 2420, known as the App Store Accountability Act, would have compelled Apple, Google, and other platforms to verify users’ ages and require parental consent for minors downloading apps or making in-app purchases. However, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction on December 23, concluding the law likely violates First Amendment protections and is unconstitutionally broad and vague. Enforcement has been paused pending appeal.

House Bill 8 will usher in the replacement of the STAAR standardized test with three shorter tests taken throughout the school year. Critics of the previous testing method said it put too much pressure on students and teachers with one test. Many of the provisions are already in effect this current school year. Students will start taking the new assessments in the next school year.

House Bill 9, supported by voters via constitutional amendment, raises the property tax exemption threshold on business inventory and equipment from $2,500 to $125,000. Advocates say this offers critical relief for small businesses. However, the Legislative Budget Board estimates it could reduce local revenues by $442 million in fiscal year 2027 unless cities and counties adjust their tax rates.

Senate Bill 38 speeds up eviction proceedings for unauthorized occupants, sometimes referred to as squatters. Key changes include standardized notice delivery by mail, in-person, or electronically, along with trial timelines condensed to within 10 to 21 days. The law will also prevent local courts from adding procedural hurdles. While supporters cite protection for property owners, opponents caution that honest renters may be denied adequate time or legal protections.

House Bill 149, the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act, establishes one of the nation’s most comprehensive AI regulatory structures. Effective January 1, 2026, the law will broadly define “AI systems” to include machine learning, generative models, biometric platforms, and more. It empowers the Texas Attorney General to enforce civil penalties and prohibits AI from enabling discrimination, self-harm, social scoring, biometrics misuse, and sexually explicit content. The law also requires transparency disclosures and bans biometric identification without consent. Notably, the act creates a statewide AI regulatory sandbox and establishes a Texas Artificial Intelligence Council to advise on best practices and ethical guidelines.