Dozens of new Texas laws have taken effect in December with more to begin in January, bringing wide-ranging changes to the state’s education system, law enforcement, taxes and more.
Over 800 laws from this year’s regular legislative session already took effect on Sept. 1, but more measures from that period as well as the second special session activated afterwards.Among the new laws affecting Texas as of Jan. 1 are the following.
House Bill 9 will exempt up to $125,000 of businesses’ inventory from being taxed by all entities such as counties, cities and school districts. This type of inventory is currently not taxed if it’s valued under $2,500. The law, which its backers called a win for Texas businesses, will take effect on Jan. 1 after voters approved a related constitutional amendment. Meanwhile, the legislative budget board estimated that local revenues would be reduced by $442 million in fiscal year 2027, if entities like cities or counties don’t adopt higher tax rates.
Senate Bill 8 from the regular session will require sheriffs in counties that operate a jail to formally cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and carry out certain immigration enforcement actions under the so-called 287(g) program. It will also allow them to apply for grants — from $80,000 to $140,000 depending on the county’s population — to help with their participation. The law’s backers said it is about public safety, while critics said it will lead to more racial profiling affecting immigrants and citizens alike. The law, which covers the vast majority of Texas counties, will take effect on Jan. 1.
Senate Bill 38 will speed up the eviction process for squatters. While the law targets those who are illegally occupying properties, housing advocates are concerned that it reduces protections for tenants. For example, it will effectively ban the state’s governor and supreme court from changing eviction proceedings during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. One section of the law already took effect in September, while the rest of it will activate on Jan. 1.