What new laws take effect on September 1st in Texas?

From schools and driving to healthcare and crime, here are the Texas laws that could change daily life starting Sept. 1.

TEXAS, USA — Hundreds of new laws passed by the Texas Legislature this year will take effect on Sept. 1, 2025.

From tougher penalties for human trafficking to new rules in schools and changes on the road, many of these laws will touch everyday life for Texans.

We’ve organized the most impactful changes into easy-to-read categories. You’ll also find a complete bill index at the bottom so you can explore every new law.

List of new Texas laws

Texas lawmakers passed in the regular session of the 89th Legislature more than 800 bills in 2025. While many deal with local or technical issues, others affect broad categories like crime, education, healthcare, business, and driving.

Crime & public safety

Texans will see some of the biggest changes this fall in the areas of crime, policing, and public safety. Lawmakers passed dozens of bills aimed at cracking down on human trafficking, strengthening penalties for violent and sexual offenses, protecting children and vulnerable adults, and updating how law enforcement agencies operate.

Tougher penalties for human trafficking, sexual assault, organized retail theft, and intoxication-related crimes.New protections for victims of domestic violence, stalking, and sex offenses, with longer protective orders and stronger confidentiality rules.Technology and AI-related offenses, including laws against explicit deep fakes, online impersonation, and fraud using artificial intelligence.Law enforcement and court reforms, such as new training requirements, firearm regulations, parole changes, and expanded investigative tools.

Below is the index of crime- and safety-related bills taking effect on Sept. 1. This list shows the breadth of changes, from niche criminal procedure adjustments to headline-grabbing new offenses.

HB 45 – Duty of the attorney general to represent the state in the prosecution of trafficking of persons.HB 47 – Sexual assault and other sex offenses.HB 75 – Duty of a magistrate to make written findings in certain criminal proceedings.HB 121 – Public school safety measures, including TEA-commissioned peace officers, Texas School Safety Center board composition, and security requirements/resources.HB 127 – Protection of institutions of higher education from foreign adversaries and prosecution for theft of trade secrets (criminal penalty included).HB 166 – Criminal offense of endangering a child, elderly, or disabled person through conduct involving controlled substances (Penalty Group 1-B).HB 201 – Creation of the financial crimes intelligence center.HB 272 – Prosecution of fraudulent use or possession of credit/debit card information.HB 285 – Prosecution of the offense of cruelty to nonlivestock animals.HB 451 – Screening for the risk of commercial sexual exploitation of certain children.HB 581 – Creation of artificial sexual material harmful to minors.HB 654 – Dismissal of a criminal charge related to illegal hunting of certain deer; authorizes fees.HB 742 – Human trafficking prevention: training for first responders, facility disclosure requirements, protections for employees reporting trafficking.HB 754 – Human trafficking prevention: training for medical assistants, facility disclosure requirements, protections for employees reporting trafficking.HB 783 – Establishes civil liability for online impersonation.HB 793 – Confidentiality of certain personal information of protective order applicants/protected persons.HB 908 – Law enforcement reporting of missing children to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.HB 1024 – Execution of warrants for parole/mandatory supervision releasees who violate electronic monitoring conditions.HB 1106 – Expands/clarifies definitions of child abuse and neglect.HB 1151 – Child neglect provisions; grounds for DFPS termination of parent-child relationship and possession.HB 1193 – Confidentiality of certain information in informal marriage declarations.HB 1234 – Procedures for denial of certain handgun license applications.HB 1261 – Disposition of abandoned/unclaimed property seized by peace officers.HB 1422 – Expands victims’ rights in sexual assault/sex offense cases; creates new offenses, increases penalties, and alters supervision/parole eligibility.HB 1443 – Creates the criminal offense of promotion or possession of a child-like sex doll.HB 1445 – Compensation of appointed counsel for indigent criminal/juvenile defense.HB 1465 – Expands prosecution of invasive visual recording; applies sex offender registration requirements.HB 1506 – License to carry a handgun eligibility for certain retired county court judges.HB 1778 – Addresses human trafficking, prostitution, child pornography, and related sexual/assaultive offenses; harmonizes statute of limitations; creates new offenses; increases penalties.HB 1871 – Increases punishment for attempted capital murder of a peace officer; changes parole/mandatory supervision eligibility.HB 1893 – Public information law disclosure rules for license plate numbers captured in law enforcement video recordings.HB 1899 – Establishes required age for licensing or permits related to public fireworks displays.HB 1902 – Creates the criminal offense of jugging.HB 2000 – Applies sex offender registration to the offense of child grooming.HB 2001 – Increases penalties for misuse of official information resulting in pecuniary gain.HB 2017 – Increases penalty/limits parole eligibility for intoxication manslaughter.HB 2071 – Establishes policies for healthcare specialty consultations in child abuse/neglect investigations.HB 2073 – Increases criminal penalty for violations of protective orders or bond conditions in family violence, child abuse, sexual assault, stalking, or trafficking cases.SB 2180 – Requires certification for peace officers to conduct polygraph exams.HB 2217 – Establishes a grant program to equip peace officers’ vehicles with bullet-resistant components.HB 2282 – Adjusts reimbursement fee paid by defendants for peace officer services in executing/processing warrants.HB 2306 – Changes parole eligibility for inmates convicted of trafficking offenses involving child victims/disabled individuals.HB 2348 – Requires video recording of depositions for testimony of elderly/disabled persons in criminal cases.HB 2355 – Governs disclosure of information from crime victims’ compensation fund applications.HB 2407 – Increases penalty for sex offenders failing to comply with registration requirements.HB 2492 – Extends holding period after bond posting for certain family violence crimes.HB 2510 – Regulates assisted living facility operations; creates a criminal offense for unlicensed services.HB 2593 – Increases penalty for indecent assault against elderly/disabled individuals.HB 2594 – Establishes venue rules for prosecuting theft crimes.HB 2596 – Authorizes issuance of protective orders for certain burglary offenses.HB 2637 – Revises procedures for summoning jurors and exempts certain individuals from jury service.HB 2697 – Establishes procedures for bond forfeiture cases.HB 2733 – Expands prosecution of barratry/solicitation of professional employment.HB 2756 – Requires TDCJ training for correctional officers in de-escalation, crisis intervention, and behavioral health.HB 2761 – Expands prosecution of trafficking of persons, continuous trafficking, and compelling prostitution.HB 2842 – Authorizes lethal control of white-tailed deer in certain areas (wildlife enforcement context).HB 2854 – Requires approval for hospital visits as a condition of parole/mandatory supervision; addresses hospital liability.HB 3053 – Governs municipal and county firearm buyback programs.HB 3073 – Prosecution of sexual assault offenses.HB 3133 – Requires social media platforms to enable user reports of explicit deep fake material.HB 3181 – Enforcement of court orders for possession/access to children and modifications of those orders.HB 3185 – Authorizes investigations into certain cybercrimes.HB 3248 – Authorizes defense base development authorities to employ/commission peace officers.HB 3425 – Criminalizes unlawful disclosure of residence address/phone number; expands prosecution.HB 3463 – Expands prosecution of theft of service.HB 3464 – Increases penalties for smuggling/providing drugs or alcohol into correctional facilities.HB 3686 – Adds information requirements to ID cards for certain retired law enforcement officers.HB 3687 – Updates certification requirements for county/emergency district fire marshals and related employees.HB 3745 – Revises crime victims’ compensation program.HB 4749 – Jury wheel reconstitution, juror qualifications, and summoning in certain counties.HB 4995 – Authorizes tactical medical professionals to carry handguns while supporting law enforcement tactical units.HB 5081 – Protects personal identifying information of individuals in the judicial system; creates a criminal offense.HB 5238 – Creates an offense for disrupting a meeting or procession.HB 5509 – Lets municipalities suspend/revoke a hotel’s occupancy certificate for suspected human trafficking.SB 17 – Restricts purchase/acquisition of Texas real property by certain foreign entities/aliens; creates criminal offense.SB 20 – Creates offense for possession, promotion, or production of obscene visual material depicting a child.SB 33 – Prohibits transactions/support between government entities and abortion providers/assistance entities.SB 40 – Prohibits political subdivisions from using public funds for bail bonds; authorizes injunctions.SB 127 – Expands offense for failure of professionals to report child abuse/neglect; modifies statute of limitations.SB 370 – Restricts release of personal information of family members of certain state employees.SB 387 – Updates bond requirements for certain judges.SB 412 – Defenses to prosecution for obscene/harmful-to-minors material.SB 441 – Establishes criminal and civil liability for explicit media and AI-generated intimate material.SB 487 – Provides confidentiality for identifying information of victims of certain offenses.SB 502 – Allows HHSC Office of Inspector General to commission peace officers.SB 535 – Revises admissibility of evidence regarding victim’s past sexual behavior in trafficking/sexual/assault prosecutions.SB 608 – Requires reporting of information regarding certain evidence collection kits.SB 610 – Authorizes TDLR to combat human trafficking.SB 703 – Establishes consequences for certain offenses committed by massage establishments, schools, therapists, instructors.SB 706 – Recognizes handgun licenses issued by other states.SB 739 – Defines “authorized peace officer” for laws on tracking equipment and communications access.SB 745 – Enhances criminal penalty for intoxication manslaughter in certain circumstances.SB 746 – Revises guardianship matters (partly civil/criminal court).SB 761 – Revises sexual assault statutes and crime victims’ rights; authorizes civil penalty.SB 835 – Restricts enforceability of NDAs/confidentiality agreements covering sexual abuse.SB 836 – Strengthens confidentiality protections for victims of sex offenses and sex-based trafficking.SB 888 – Requires AG defense of county/district attorneys against certain federal lawsuits.SB 890 – Expands handgun license eligibility to active and retired judicial officers.SB 906 – Authorizes Ysleta del Sur Pueblo to commission peace officers.SB 916 – Expands consumer protections against certain EMS billing practices.SB 955 – Revises punishment for trafficking of persons.SB 958 – Expands eligibility of certain trafficking/compelling prostitution victims for nondisclosure of records.SB 1019 – Governs admissibility of certain hearsay in sexual/assaultive offenses against children or disabled victims.SB 1020 – Regulates personal bond offices; electronic monitoring notification rules.SB 1021 – Revises eligibility for community supervision for stalking; creates offense of improper contact with victims.SB 1120 – Expands victims’ rights and duration of protective orders in family violence, sexual/assaultive offenses, stalking.SB 1137 – Creates criminal offense related to group home consultant referrals.SB 1141 – Requires confirmation of notices before adversary hearings in DFPS suits.SB 1164 – Revises emergency detention and court-ordered mental health services.SB 1171 – Governs compensation, leave, and fitness standards for OIG employees at TJJD.SB 1197 – Creates offense for unmanned aircraft operations over spaceports.SB 1212 – Increases penalty for trafficking of persons.SB 1281 – Creates new offenses involving mail, keys, and locks; increases penalties.SB 1283 – Relates to resident safety from criminal activity in senior retirement communities.SB 1300 – Increases penalties for organized retail theft.SB 1313 – Prohibits use of certain logos, signs, designs in cigarette/e-cigarette ads; creates offense.SB 1316 – Prohibits e-cigarette advertising in specified locations.SB 1349 – Creates offenses for transnational repression/unauthorized foreign law enforcement.SB 1362 – Prohibits recognition/enforcement of extreme risk protective orders; creates offense.SB 1372 – Grants access to the crime lab portal.SB 1379 – Increases penalties for forgery.SB 1451 – Increases penalties for theft/receipt of stolen checks or sight orders.SB 1497 – Governs searches of certain wireless devices by peace officers.SB 1498 – Authorizes civil asset forfeiture of digital currency/related property.SB 1499 – Governs operations of Financial Crimes Intelligence Center.SB 1506 – Revises BPP parole reconsideration frequency.SB 1559 – Resolves conflicts between protective orders and other orders; allows transfer.SB 1563 – Requires county jailer training on interactions with veterans.SB 1596 – Prohibits possession of short-barrel firearms.SB 1598 – Governs release of motor vehicle collision report information.SB 1610 – Revises SVP law, TCCO operations, and harassment by confined SVPs; increases penalties.SB 1621 – Expands offenses for sexually explicit/CGI child depictions; creates new crimes; increases penalties.SB 1637 – Revises the prosecution of deadly conduct.SB 1660 – Requires retention/preservation of tox evidence in intoxication cases.SB 1666 – Governs restitution payments.SB 1667 – Revises expunction procedures; authorizes a fee.SB 1760 – Revises guardianship laws for incapacitated persons; fee change.SB 1804 – Provides restitution/compensation to victims for tattoo removal tied to offenses.SB 1809 – Creates offense for fraudulent use/possession/tampering with gift cards/data.SB 1833 – Increases penalties for using social media to facilitate controlled substance delivery.SB 1866 – Authorizes search warrants for blood specimens in intoxication cases.SB 1896 – Requires magistrates to receive information on arrestees and victims when issuing emergency protective orders.SB 1936 – Defines “abuse unit” for certain controlled substances under TCSA.SB 1946 – Creates a family violence homicide prevention task force.SB 2024 – Prohibits marketing/sale of certain e-cigarette products; creates offenses; increases penalties.SB 2143 – Authorizes counties to commission certain individuals as peace officers/establish agencies.SB 2196 – Revises duration of emergency protective orders.SB 2284 – Governs municipal/county regulation of firearms, air guns, archery, and related supplies.SB 2373 – Creates a criminal offense for financial exploitation or abuse using AI-generated media or phishing; civil penalty.SB 2383 – Allows employment of certain peace officers by DPS.SB 2514 – Establishes a hostile foreign adversaries unit at DPS to combat foreign influence; creates an offense.SB 2580 – Expands the definition of designated law enforcement offices/agencies for tracking equipment laws.SB 2587 – Revises access/use of criminal history record information and corrects terminology for licenses requiring background checks.SB 2776 – Requires TJJD disclosure of certain information.SB 2798 – Modifies statutes of limitations for certain criminal offenses, including fraud.SB 2938 – Relating to the verification of the veteran status of inmates and prisoners.SB 3031 – Relating to the punishment for the offense of aggravated assault.

Schools & education

From classrooms to college campuses, Texans will see major changes in education policy beginning Sept. 1. Lawmakers passed dozens of bills affecting public schools, higher education, child care, and parental rights. Many of these laws respond to ongoing debates over school safety, religious expression, parental control, and how Texas builds its future workforce.

School vouchers: SB 2 establishes a $1 billion program beginning in the 2026–27 school year, giving eligible families state funds to pay for private school tuition, instructional materials, and educational therapies.School safety: More armed security requirements, new protocols for emergencies and fire inspections, and expanded liability rules for misconduct.Parental rights & curriculum: New laws require parental rights handbooks, give parents more say in school libraries, and set policies for prayer, religious displays, and DEI restrictions.Student services: Expanded exemptions from immunizations, new bilingual and special education reporting requirements, and recognition of chronically absent students as “at risk.”Higher education: Measures to expand apprenticeship programs, regulate foreign influence, and create workforce pipelines in mental health, nuclear energy, and forensic analysis.Child care & early education: New funding programs, child-care worker supports, and data systems to better track early childhood outcomes.

Below is the index of education-related bills taking effect Sept. 1. This list shows how widely the Legislature touched the education system, from kindergarten through graduate programs.

HB 33 – Active shooter incidents at primary and secondary school facilities and other emergencies.HB 42 – Allocation and permissible uses of annual constitutional appropriation to certain agencies and institutions of higher education.HB 102 – Early registration for students in military-related programs at public institutions of higher education.HB 121 – Public school safety measures, including TEA-commissioned peace officers, Texas School Safety Center board composition, and security requirements/resources.HB 127 – Protection of institutions of higher education from foreign adversaries and prosecution for theft of trade secrets (criminal penalty included).HB 210 – Restrictions on contracting with a school district or charter school by vendors who have certain business interests with board members (creates a criminal offense).HB 322 – Use of funds awarded under the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Grant Program.HB 718 – Prohibits public institutions of higher education from partnering with certain private entities to construct student housing facilities.HB 1022 – Expands course levels offered at Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College.HB 1458 – Requires armed security officers at public schools; allows school district police departments to appoint reserve police officers.HB 1586 – Exemption from required immunizations for school enrollment.HB 1851 – Allows school districts to receive surplus motor vehicles and other law enforcement equipment from the Texas Facilities Commission.HB 2294 – Adjusts reimbursement rates for child-care providers participating in the Texas Rising Star Program.HB 2495 – Establishes rights of children/parents/sole managing conservators regarding school enrollment.HB 2598 – Relates to licensing of school psychologists under the Occupations Code.HB 2674 – Prohibits regulation of home school programs.HB 2768 – Creates a state IT apprenticeship credential at public junior colleges/technical institutes.HB 2851 – Adds nursing school applications into a consolidated application service.HB 2853 – Authorizes student union building fees at the University of Texas at El Paso.HB 3126 – Allows certain entities to elect participation in the uniform group coverage program for active school employees; imposes a fee.HB 3204 – Establishes the Polytechnic College at Sam Houston State University, including eligibility for certain programs.HB 3254 – Allows State Board of Education members and dependents to participate in the state employees’ group benefits program.HB 3260 – Creates the Texas Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs Grant Program.HB 3627 – Allows the chair of the State Board of Education to employ staff to assist with board duties.HB 3963 – Establishes an early childhood integrated data system.HB 4529 – Regulation of child-care facilities with U.S. Department of Defense certificates.HB 4623 – Public school and employee liability for sexual misconduct involving students.HB 4655 – Preparation for Adult Living Program & services for foster children transitioning to independence.HB 4848 – Requires competency-based baccalaureate degree programs at certain public universities.HB 5515 – Restricts freight/shipping costs in public school instructional materials pricing.SB 2 – Establishes an education savings account program.SB 10 – Requires display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms.SB 11 – Allows period of prayer and Bible/other religious text reading in public schools.SB 12 – Parental rights in public education; limits DEI and social transitioning policies; regulates student clubs.SB 13 – School district library materials/catalog regulation; local advisory councils; parental rights to library access.SB 25 – Health and nutrition standards in food labeling, primary/secondary education, higher ed, and continuing ed.SB 37 – Governance of public higher education; curriculum review, faculty councils, training, ombudsman office.SB 60 – Rules for public junior college libraries to dispose of certain library materials.SB 204 – Creates a parental rights handbook in education; requires school board members to receive training.SB 260 – Relates to the school safety allotment under the Foundation School Program.SB 413 – Relating to the meetings of the boards of trustees of independent school districts.SB 462 – Establishes a child-care services waiting list priority for children of certain child-care workers.SB 513 – Creates a rural community-based care pilot program.SB 530 – Relating to accreditation of certain postsecondary institutions or programs.SB 546 – Requires seat belts on buses that transport children.SB 646 – Relating to repayment of certain mental health professional education loans.SB 769 – Requires THECB to report on enrollment and success of students with disabilities in higher education.SB 800 – Requires higher education institutions to provide resources and orientation on sexual harassment, assault, dating violence, and stalking.SB 843 – Creates a TEA database of school district and charter school bonds, taxes, and projects.SB 920 – Authorizes administration of nonprescription medications to certain public and private school students.SB 965 – Protects the right of public school employees to engage in religious speech or prayer while on duty.SB 991 – Includes chronically absent/truant students in “at risk” category; mandates data collection/reporting.SB 1049 – Excused absences from public school for attending a released time course.SB 1177 – Requires fire safety inspections at public and private schools.SB 1241 – Considers use of college entrance exams for admission; study by THECB.SB 1265 – Expands TWC duties regarding child-care resources.SB 1273 – Establishes the Higher Education Research Security Council.SB 1401 – Creates the Texas Mental Health Profession Pipeline Program under THECB.SB 1490 – Provides funding for adult high school charter programs.SB 1534 – Requires THECB to study/report on health physics education in Texas.SB 1535 – Establishes an advanced nuclear energy workforce development program at TWC.SB 1620 – Creates the Texas forensic analyst apprenticeship pilot program.SB 1728 – Allows certain juvenile justice entities to participate in the Jobs & Education for Texans (JET) Grant Program.SB 2185 – Increases bilingual education allotment in the public school finance system.SB 2431 – Requires foreign language credit opportunities for students in study abroad programs at certain Texas higher education institutions.SB 2448 – Establishes the Rural Workforce Development Grant Program.SB 2615 – Restricts telework for employees of public institutions of higher education.SB 2972 – Relating to expressive activities at public institutions of higher education.SB 2986 – Relating to the use by a religious organization of public school or institution of higher education facilities.SB 2995 – Relating to the displacement of student financial aid at a public institution of higher education.SB 3039 – Relating to the transfer of students in public higher education and to transparency regarding certificate or degree program requirements.

Driving & transportation

Texas drivers will notice a wide range of new transportation laws beginning Sept. 1. While many of the bills designate highways in honor of fallen officers, veterans, and community leaders, others directly affect everyday motorists. From new rules on driver’s licenses and specialty plates to work zone safety, school bus seat belts, and higher penalties for dangerous driving, lawmakers focused on both honoring Texans and tightening roadway safety.

Driver’s licenses & IDs: Expanded options for addresses on licenses, fingerprinting requirements for dealers, and new rules for revocation or suspension.Road safety: Seat belts are now required on school buses, higher penalties for driving intoxicated in school zones, stricter rules at railroad crossings, and new work zone safety training.Vehicle regulations: Updates to inspections, lighting equipment, automated vehicle rules, and commercial bus notifications.Specialty plates & memorial highways: Dozens of new plates, from military honors to animal-friendly designs, and highway dedications across the state.Infrastructure & aviation: Funding for aviation facilities, rules for county road closures, and expanded TxDOT coordination on high-speed rail.

Below is the index of transportation-related bills taking effect Sept. 1. This list shows how lawmakers are reshaping everything from everyday driver responsibilities to long-term infrastructure.

HB 227 – Designates a portion of FM 521 in Brazoria County as the Clarence “BB” Sasser Medal of Honor Highway.HB 630 – Certificates of title for certain outboard motors.HB 647 – Removal of certain restrictions on driver’s licenses; authorizes a fee.HB 767 – Designates a portion of State Highway 249 in Montgomery County as the Paul P. Mendes Memorial Parkway.HB 791 – Authorizes issuance of Central Catholic High School specialty license plates.HB 1094 – Regulation of transportation protection agreements.HB 1242 – Designates a portion of U.S. Highway 281 as the Ernesto Soliz Cantu Memorial Highway.HB 1708 – Designates a portion of State Highway 302 in Ector County as the Trooper Kevin Ramirez Vasquez Memorial Highway.HB 1960 – Designates a portion of SH 345 in San Benito as the Lieutenant Milton Resendez Memorial Highway.HB 2003 – Requires information sharing with TxDOT regarding certain high-speed rail projects.HB 2026 – Designates a portion of SH 25 in Archer County as the U.S. Army Gary C. and U.S.M.C. Gary S. Johnston Memorial Highway.HB 2061 – Designates a portion of SH 242 in Montgomery County as the Lance Corporal Armando Hernandez Memorial Bridge.HB 2143 – Designates a portion of FM 1097 in Montgomery County as the Army Specialist Joey Lenz Memorial Highway.HB 2198 – Designates a portion of SH 34 in Kaufman County as the Officer Jacob Candanoza Memorial Highway.HB 2415 – Designates a portion of FM 969 in Travis County as the Senior Police Officer Lewis “Andy” Traylor Memorial Highway.HB 2440 – Prohibits state agency/air plan restrictions targeting motor vehicles, including engine types.HB 2457 – Designates a portion of U.S. 287 in Wilbarger County as the Molly Mullens Mile.HB 2522 – Fingerprinting requirements for issuance of dealer general distinguishing numbers.HB 2523 – Designates a portion of SH 48 in Cameron County as the Deputy Constable Ruben Garcia Memorial Highway.HB 2560 – Creates the Adopt-a-County Road program.HB 2775 – Adjusts composition of the I-27 Advisory Committee.HB 2898 – Establishes requirements for meteorological evaluation towers.HB 3012 – Sets a fee for driving safety courses.HB 3016 – Governs circumstances where rental companies may void vehicle damage waivers.HB 3135 – Authorizes issuance of specialty license plates for retired firefighters.HB 3510 – Designates a portion of SH 6 in Brazos County as the Sergeant Mark Butler Memorial Highway.HB 3611 – Increases civil penalties for signs placed unlawfully on public road right-of-ways.HB 3642 – Designates memorial highways, cultural markers, and signs for attractions.HB 3751 – Transfers real property from TxDOT to DPS.HB 3815 – Creates specialty license plates for U.S. Army Rangers.HB 3928 – Requires notice of vehicles towed to storage facilities via third-party websites.HB 3966 – Requires commercial passenger bus operators to notify residents about operations.HB 3986 – Designates part of U.S. Highway 83 in Mission as the Corporal Speedy Espericueta Memorial Highway.HB 4226 – Provides tax exemptions on vehicles purchased/used by nonprofits (food banks, housing providers).HB 4230 – Establishes the Bicentennial Trail (hike & bike).HB 4429 – Designates part of U.S. 281 in Blanco/Burnet as Muckleroy Family Memorial Highway.HB 4520 – Funding requirements for aviation facilities and projects.HB 4804 – Revocation of driver’s licenses, ID certificates, and commercial motor vehicle disqualification.HB 4904 – Civil liability protections for property owners hosting motorcycle instruction/training courses.HB 5436 – Creates exception to titling requirement for certain motor vehicles; establishes offense & fee.HB 5624 – Defines liability for off-road vehicle entities in injury cases.SB 72 – Regulation of private passenger vehicle rental companies.SB 296 – Driving safety or motorcycle operator training course dismissal.SB 305 – Criminal offense of passing certain vehicles on a highway.SB 523 – Allows driver’s license issuance with an alternative to the residence address.SB 546 – Requires seat belts on buses transporting children.SB 682 – Designates a portion of FM 2493 in Smith County as Captain Kevin Williams & Firefighter Austin Cheek Memorial Highway.SB 771 – Provides credit/refund for diesel fuel taxes paid on fuel used by auxiliary power or PTO equipment.SB 826 – Increases penalty for operating a vehicle intoxicated in a school crossing zone.SB 857 – Authorizes removal of certain motor vehicles.SB 876 – Designates a portion of U.S. 377 as the Bob Cornett Parkway.SB 927 – Creates Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal specialty license plates.SB 1018 – Governs the distribution of state traffic fine revenue received by the comptroller.SB 1227 – Establishes fees for the issuance of certain military specialty license plates.SB 1229 – Designates a portion of U.S. 69 in Smith County as Veterans Memorial Highway.SB 1230 – Designates FM 10 in Panola County as Deputy Sheriff Chris Dickerson Memorial Highway.SB 1351 – Designates a portion of U.S. 281 as U.S. Border Patrol Agent Jose Rodriguez-Lua Memorial Highway.SB 1364 – Repeals wheelbase and horsepower restrictions for the state passenger vehicle fleet.SB 1366 – Requires work zone safety in driver education/driving safety courses.SB 1369 – Designates SH 11 in Morris County as Army Staff Sgt. Samuel T. Castle Memorial Highway.SB 1422 – Designates FM 852 in Upshur County as Petty Officer Billy Machen Memorial Bridge.SB 1423 – Designates FM 2275 in Gregg County as Bill Stoudt Parkway.SB 1464 – Provides hearing procedures for refusal/revocation of vehicle titles.SB 1493 – Updates lighting equipment requirements for motor vehicles.SB 1555 – Creates grant program to fund railroad-grade separation projects.SB 1568 – Creates animal-friendly specialty license plates.SB 1709 – Designates FM 70 in Nueces County as Los Robles Trail.SB 1729 – Regulates registration and inspection of vehicles.SB 1744 – Designates SL 255 in Camp County as Camp County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway.SB 1895 – Designates SH Loop 88 in Lubbock County as First Responders Memorial Loop.SB 1931 – Designates Business U.S. 83-S in Hidalgo County as SP4 Rodolfo Valdez Memorial Highway.SB 2001 – Governs registration of vehicles, disabled placards, and benefits for certain disabled peace officers; authorizes a fee.SB 2007 – Allows voluntary disclosure of military status when registering a motor vehicle.SB 2064 – Exempts certain transfers of motor vehicles from the decedent/estate from motor vehicle tax.SB 2129 – Increases penalties for violations at railroad grade crossings.SB 2141 – Creates specialty license plates for state and federal judges.SB 2332 – Relates to aircraft owned and operated by the Department of Public Safety.SB 2515 – Designates a portion of State Highway 64 in Smith County as the Fire Marshal Jimmy W. Seaton Memorial Highway.SB 2589 – Sets procedures for a commissioners court to close, abandon, or vacate certain county roads.SB 2790 – Designates a portion of U.S. Highway 67 in Dallas and Ellis Counties as the Eddie Bernice Johnson Memorial Highway.SB 2807 – Relating to motor vehicles, including automated motor vehicles; creating a criminal offense.SB 3034 – Designates a portion of State Highway 249 in Grimes and Montgomery Counties as the Doug Pitcock Aggie Expressway.

Healthcare

Texas lawmakers passed a wide-ranging slate of health-related bills this session, many of which take effect Sept. 1. The changes touch nearly every corner of the healthcare system, from hospitals and insurance coverage to mental health services, licensing rules, and patient protections.

Patient protections & transparency: New requirements for itemized medical bills, price estimates, hospital staffing reports, and emergency preparedness at assisted living facilities.Insurance & coverage: Expanded Medicaid benefits (including nutrition support and CAR-T therapy), telehealth parity rules, and coverage mandates for pediatric dental anesthesia and gender transition reversals.Mental health & substance use: More funding for crisis services and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, continued support for maternal opioid misuse care, and studies on psychiatric bed capacity and firefighter cancer risks.Licensing & workforce: Streamlined credentialing for community health centers, expanded licensing for veterans and allied health professions, and new apprenticeship/workforce programs to build pipelines in nursing and behavioral health.Public health & safety: New newborn screenings (including Duchenne muscular dystrophy), mammogram breast density reporting, opioid antagonist reporting, and regulations on IV therapy providers.

Below is the full index of healthcare-related bills taking effect Sept. 1. This list shows how the Legislature addressed rising healthcare costs, access to services, and the state’s ongoing shortage of providers.

HB 26 – Medicaid managed care organizations allowed to offer nutrition support services.HB 37 – Perinatal bereavement care initiative and hospital recognition program.HB 39 – Information and data regarding veteran deaths in Texas.HB 46 – Medical use of low-THC cannabis under the Compassionate-Use Program.HB 163 – Possession and administration of epinephrine delivery systems by certain entities.HB 171 – Medical examination certification and treatment duration for chemical dependency cases.HB 216 – Itemized billing requirements for healthcare services and supplies.HB 388 – Establishes a uniform coordination of benefits questionnaire for health benefit plans.HB 426 – Medicaid/CHIP coverage and reimbursement for childhood cranial remolding orthosis.HB 541 – Provision of direct patient care by physicians and healthcare practitioners.HB 721 – Applicability of health care cost disclosure requirements for health plan issuers/administrators.HB 879 – Licensing of certain military veterans as health care providers.HB 913 – Renaming and management of certain state hospitals.HB 923 – Provisions relating to the Texas Medical Disclosure Panel.HB 1052 – Health plan coverage for telemedicine, teledentistry, and telehealth appointments outside Texas.HB 1306 – Claims for benefits or compensation by death investigation professionals.HB 1314 – Price estimates and billing requirements for certain healthcare facilities.HB 1612 – Allows direct hospital payment for certain health care services.HB 1639 – Study on increased cancer incidence among female firefighters in Texas.HB 1700 – Establishes records requirements for telemedicine, teledentistry, and telehealth providers.HB 2035 – Chemical dependency treatment facility notice to parents/guardians of minors refused admission.HB 2038 – Licensing by the Texas Medical Board for certain physicians; insurance coverage authority.HB 2187 – Hospital staffing reports, complaint processes, and protections for nurses (anti-retaliation and mandatory overtime rules).HB 2402 – Medicaid-related determination of fees, charges, and rates.HB 2655 – Allows nonprofit organizations to operate regional health care programs for small employer employees.HB 3000 – Creates a grant program to assist ambulance service providers in rural counties.HB 3057 – Requires health benefit plan coverage for CAR-T cell therapy.HB 3096 – Designates March 17 as Profound Autism Awareness Day.HB 3151 – Requires expedited credentialing of FQHC providers by Medicaid MCOs.HB 3233 – Regulates patient data maintained by pharmacy benefit managers.HB 3376 – Requires training on Alzheimer’s, dementia, and related disorders for certain guardians.HB 3441 – Governs the liability of vaccine manufacturers that advertise harmful vaccines.HB 3560 – Revises licensing rules for mental hospitals and employee misconduct registry definitions.HB 3595 – Requires emergency preparedness/temperature regulation plans for assisted living facilities (with penalties).HB 3749 – Regulates elective intravenous therapy providers.HB 3788 – Updates operations of municipal hospital authorities.HB 3800 – Creates advisory board to address local health care workforce needs.HB 3801 – Establishes Health Professions Workforce Coordinating Council and nursing career pathways workgroup; abolishes old coordinating councils.HB 3812 – Updates preauthorization requirements for health care services; physician-directed utilization review.HB 3940 – Requires Medicaid benefits information to be provided about newborns.HB 4535 – COVID-19 vaccine administration requirements.HB 4638 – Creates the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative.HB 4743 – Issues a single license for hospitals & mobile stroke units.HB 4783 – Requires reporting on opioid antagonist programs to reverse/prevent overdoses.HB 5155 – Continues maternal opioid misuse care model for certain Medicaid recipients.HB 5342 – Expands behavioral health crisis services, funding for 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.HB 5394 – Prohibits foster care contractors/child-placing agencies from imposing certain caregiver requirements.SB 379 – Prohibits SNAP benefits from being used for sweetened drinks and candy.SB 437 – Requires in-service training in health care facilities on identifying abuse/neglect; penalties for violations.SB 456 – Regulates human organ purchase/sale; increases penalties.SB 493 – Protects communications/disclosures by pharmacists and pharmacies regarding prescription drug benefits.SB 527 – Requires health benefit coverage for general anesthesia in pediatric dental services.SB 528 – Governs inpatient competency restoration services.SB 672 – Requires hospitals to submit summaries of emergency operations plans.SB 815 – Regulates the use of automated systems in the health benefit claims process.SB 855 – Permits certain foster care medical consenters to assume responsibility for out-of-network care.SB 896 – Sets newborn enrollment period for certain health benefit plans.SB 897 – Creates a grant program for community mental health programs serving veterans/families.SB 904 – Licensing and regulation of hearing instrument fitters and dispensers.SB 905 – Licensing and regulation of speech-language pathologists and audiologists.SB 912 – Establishes continuing education compliance tracking for health care practitioners.SB 922 – Governs disclosure of certain medical information electronically.SB 968 – Licensing and regulation of podiatrists.SB 926 – Regulates health benefit plan issuers’ ranking and incentivizes physician use.SB 963 – Allows Medicaid managed care orgs to market the availability of certain private plan coverage.SB 984 – Expands access to individualized investigational treatments for patients with severe illness.SB 1038 – Provides administrative remedies and penalties for Medicaid fraud/abuse.SB 1044 – Requires newborn screening tests for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.SB 1084 – Requires breast density info in mammography reports.SB 1188 – Sets electronic health record requirements; authorizes civil penalties.SB 1214 – Revises operations and administration of Concho County Hospital District.SB 1233 – Requires info on perinatal palliative care; administrative penalty.SB 1236 – Regulates relationships between pharmacists/pharmacies and health plan issuers/PBMs.SB 1238 – Prohibits insurance discrimination based on marital status after a spouse’s death.SB 1257 – Requires health plan coverage for gender transition adverse effects/reversals.SB 1307 – Requires TDI to develop a biennial health coverage reference guide.SB 1318 – Restricts physician/health care practitioner non-compete covenants.SB 1677 – Requires a study on preventing/reducing diabetes-related amputations.SB 2069 – Creates a work group to study the feasibility of an acute psychiatric bed registry.SB 2480 – Revises the Texas Physician Health Program; expands the Texas Medical Board regulatory authority.

Business & Property

From homeowners’ associations to high-stakes corporate litigation, Texans will see sweeping changes to business and property laws starting Sept. 1. Lawmakers approved bills reshaping property tax appraisal, expanding consumer and small-business protections, and tightening rules around insurance, financing, and development. They also addressed hot-button issues like AI regulation, appraisal district transparency, and property owners’ rights.

Property & appraisal: New requirements for appraisal district board qualifications, property tax refund rules, periodic reappraisals, and restrictions on appraisal districts posting owner information.Business regulation & consumer protection: New rules for sales-based financing disclosures, debt collection in identity theft cases, notary regulation, and limits on using credit scores in certain insurance underwriting.Construction & development: Clearer liability rules for construction claims, new transparency for subdivision plats and infrastructure bonds, and stricter rules for tall structures near wildlife refuges and development near the State Capitol.Property owners’ rights: Expanded HOA/POA powers and restrictions, rules for manufactured housing and rentals, and new procedures for releasing extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).Insurance & finance: Revisions to windstorm insurance, annuities, surplus lines contracts, and consumer debt protections; new offenses tied to fraudulent liens and financing statements.Innovation & workforce: Creation of the Task Force on Modernizing Manufacturing, expansion of workforce training funds, and regulation of AI systems and data brokers.Alcohol & food industry: Expanded brewer, distiller, and cottage food regulations, shrimp labeling rules, and penalties for selling cell-cultured protein.

Below is the index of business- and property-related bills taking effect Sept. 1. This list shows how the Legislature touched nearly every corner of economic and property law — from your neighborhood HOA to statewide corporate regulations.

HB 24 – Procedures for changes to zoning regulation or district boundary.HB 40 – Relating to the business court (affects businesses and litigation environment).HB 103 – Creation and maintenance of a database of taxing unit bond, tax, and bond-related project information (civil penalty for noncompliance).HB 148 – Qualification, training, and education requirements for members of appraisal district boards (property tax oversight).HB 206 – Limits county authority to require a cash bond before approving pipeline construction.HB 223 – Competitive procurement requirements for municipalities when hiring lobbying/government relations services.HB 346 – Changes to fees charged by the secretary of state for expedited business filings/searches; provides franchise tax and filing fee exemptions for veteran-owned businesses.HB 517 – Authority of property owners’ associations (POAs) to assess fines for discolored vegetation/turf during watering restrictions.HB 519 – Honey production operations; harvesting and packaging of honey/honeycomb.HB 609 – Cleaning of structures used for cultivated oyster mariculture.HB 621 – Authority of POAs to regulate political assembly, association, and speech of property owners or residents.HB 685 – Rates set by municipalities for water or sewer service for certain entities.HB 700 – Disclosures and registration requirements for commercial sales-based financing transactions; regulates brokers/providers; authorizes fees and penalties.HB 1237 – Renewal of expired occupational licenses/registrations by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.HB 1238 – Inspection requirements for proposed Class I injection wells.HB 1318 – Certificates of public convenience and necessity for water/sewer service in annexed or incorporated municipal areas.HB 1520 – Angelina and Neches River Authority governance changes (Sunset review).HB 1533 – Changes to the system for appraising property for ad valorem tax purposes.HB 1535 – Trinity River Authority governance changes (Sunset review).HB 1562 – Establishes massage student permits (affects small business regulation in the wellness industry).HB 1689 – Authorizes groundwater conservation districts to use groundwater export fees for certain purposes.HB 1729 – Limits the number of terms a person may serve as a commissioner of Port Freeport.HB 1732 – Regulation of massage therapy.HB 1922 – Construction liability claims; accrual of causes of action clarified.HB 2011 – Right to repurchase condemned real property if ad valorem taxes are delinquent.HB 2012 – Allows certain counties to regulate roadside/parking lot vendors and solicitors.HB 2025 – Rules for filing plats/replats/amended plats of subdivisions or condominiums.HB 2037 – Creates rules for repairs/security deposits in manufactured home/residential rental cases.HB 2078 – Groundwater management area joint planning for desired future conditions.HB 2213 – Alters the board composition of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association.HB 2221 – Addresses trade practices for life insurance, annuity contracts, and health coverage.HB 2273 – Delegates certain authority of county judges in some counties.HB 2286 – Renewal of registration for certain interior designers.HB 2313 – Allows certain municipalities to use specific tax revenue for qualified projects.HB 2421 – Dissolution date of Save Historic Muny District.HB 2512 – Allows release of certain areas from a municipality’s ETJ (extraterritorial jurisdiction).HB 2517 – Applies premium/maintenance taxes to Texas Windstorm Insurance Association & Texas FAIR Plan Association.HB 2518 – Permits installment premium payment plans on TWIA policies.HB 2529 – State salary supplement for certain county judges.HB 2559 – Municipal moratoriums on property development under certain circumstances.HB 2563 – Creates prescribed burn manager self-insurance pool (affects land management).HB 2686 – Requires registration of frac tanks; authorizes a fee.HB 2712 – Governs test years used for ratemaking by water/sewer utilities.HB 2731 – Authorizes regulation of roadside vendors/solicitors in certain counties.HB 2765 – Expands Rural Economic Development and Investment Program and Texas Economic Development Fund.HB 2885 – Permits local option elections on alcoholic beverage sales.HB 2894 – Provides state aid to local governments affected by disabled veterans’ ad valorem tax relief.HB 2960 – Establishes choice of law and venue rules for construction contracts.HB 3005 – Payment of funds under certain construction contracts.HB 3010 – Creates Rural Infrastructure Disaster Recovery Program.HB 3088 – Expands Parks & Wildlife Department authority to procure items for resale.HB 3214 – Establishes eligibility requirements for a master plumber license.HB 3234 – Allows political subdivisions to regulate the construction/renovation of certain county-owned structures.HB 3333 – Restricts permits for waste discharges into specific river segments/drainage areas.HB 3526 – Requires fiscal transparency for local government bond issuance.HB 3556 – Regulates the construction of tall structures near national wildlife refuges.HB 3114 – Establishes regulations regarding the view of the State Capitol (development restrictions).HB 3228 – Requires inclusion of certain provisions in lease agreements for wind/solar power facilities.HB 3229 – Regulates recycling of renewable energy components; authorizes administrative penalties.HB 3597 – Requires public hearings before licensing or expanding certain residential child-care facilities.HB 3619 – Defines rights and liabilities of surface estate owners where wells are plugged/replugged by RRC.HB 3680 – Updates subdivision plat requirements in certain counties; authorizes fees, civil penalties, and criminal offenses.HB 3806 – Prohibits certain activities by state trust companies under supervision.HB 3809 – Regulates the removal of battery energy storage facilities.HB 3833 – Regulates money services businesses.HB 3928 – Requires notice of vehicles towed to storage facilities via third-party websites.HB 3866 – Governs installation and operation of intermediate bulk container recycling facilities; authorizes fees.HB 4042 – Extends Railroad Commission safety provisions and fees to gas distribution pipelines.HB 4112 – Regulates disposal/storage of high-level radioactive waste.HB 4187 – Expands the authority of the Texas Historical Commission; authorizes fees.HB 4341 – Requires critical infrastructure emergency response maps; establishes a grant program.HB 4344 – Grants PUC access to criminal history records.HB 4413 – Addresses renewable biomass feedstock attribution.HB 4426 – Requires RRC permits for commercial surface disposal facilities.HB 4158 – Governs compensation of Texana Groundwater Conservation District directors.HB 4238 – Regulates consumer debt collection in cases of identity theft.HB 4285 – Regulates alcoholic beverage storage under passenger transportation permits.HB 4386 – Provides rules for exchange/surrender of annuity contracts.HB 4396 – Makes American Performance Horseman & American Rodeo eligible for the major events reimbursement program.HB 4449 – Regulates alcoholic beverage sales in newly annexed municipal areas.HB 4463 – Expands brewer’s license holder activities; authorizes fee increases.HB 4996 – Increases criminal penalty for refusal to release fraudulent liens/claims.HB 5084 – Allows the sale of fireworks on and before the Lunar New Year.SB 15 – Sets size/density requirements for residential lots in certain municipalities; authorizes a fee.SB 213 – Prohibits insurers from requiring the tying of residential property and auto policies.SB 261 – Prohibits the sale of cell-cultured protein for human consumption; civil and criminal penalties.SB 639 – Criminal offense for unauthorized notary actions.SB 693 – Revises laws for notaries public; creates criminal offense; authorizes fee.SB 264 – Discontinues group self-insurance coverage; dissolves Texas self-insurance group guaranty and trust funds.SB 402 – Relates to the payment of certain ad valorem tax refunds.SB 455 – Regulates arbitration provisions in certain surplus lines insurance contracts.SB 458 – Establishes an appraisal process for disputed losses under auto and residential property insurance.SB 512 – Prohibits monetary fines for violating a money services business’s terms of service; civil penalty.SB 522 – Certification and regulation of certain out-of-state CPAs.SB 541 – Relating to cottage food production operations.SB 647 – Governs the filing/recording of documents conveying interests in real or personal property.SB 650 – Requires electronic ID scanning to verify the purchaser’s age for alcohol sales.SB 711 – Updates laws governing property owners’ associations, including condo unit owners’ associations.SB 748 – Regulation of laser hair removal.SB 823 – Establishes shrimp labeling and representation requirements; penalties.SB 841 – Regulates trust fund beneficiaries tied to improvements on specific real property.SB 856 – Expands eligible use of skills development fund.SB 973 – Requires periodic reappraisal of property; prohibits appraisal districts from posting certain information online.SB 1008 – Governs the state and local authority to regulate the food service industry.SB 1012 – Authorizes the State of Texas to sell/lease certain real property in Austin.SB 1057 – Governs submission/approval of shareholder proposals at nationally listed corporations.SB 1151 – Requires insurers to review/audit third-party administrators.SB 1173 – Sets expenditure thresholds requiring procurement methods for certain subdivisions.SB 1198 – Designates spaceports as critical infrastructure for criminal/civil liability.SB 1202 – Provides for third-party review of property development documents and inspections, including home backup power.SB 1239 – Governs choice of law and acquisition of claims in the securities context.SB 1254 – Regulates professional employer organizations.SB 1255 – Regulates mold assessors and remediators.SB 1259 – Regulates land surveyors under TBPELS.SB 1330 – Regulates billing/reimbursement for medical equipment; creates offense.SB 1333 – Creates offenses for unauthorized occupation, leasing, sale, or conveyance of real property.SB 1335 – Revises decedents’ estates law.SB 1346 – Prohibits bulk lottery ticket purchasing.SB 1343 – Expands notice requirements for data broker registrations.SB 1352 – Sets deadlines/penalties for late applications for certain ad valorem exemptions/allocations.SB 1355 – Allows distillers/rectifiers to sell liquor on credit to wholesalers.SB 1378 – Defines powers of certain nonresident seller’s permit holders with winery permits.SB 1388 – Expands family support services under HHSC programs.SB 1398 – Alters DFPS procedures for conservatorship cases and family preservation services.SB 1415 – Expands sales tax holiday for clothing, footwear, and school-related items.SB 1448 – Governs probate court procedures and decedents’ estates.SB 1567 – Expands municipal authority to regulate occupancy of dwelling units.SB 1577 – Allows temporary alcohol sales at racing facilities.SB 1579 – Allows courts to appoint a receiver to sell abandoned, unoccupied, tax-delinquent, undeveloped land in certain cities.SB 1644 – Prohibits the use of consumer credit scores in underwriting/rating certain personal P&C insurance.SB 1697 – Creates a customer guide to home solar devices.SB 1718 – Makes NRA’s Annual Meeting eligible for the major events reimbursement program funding.SB 1734 – Addresses the validity of certain real estate documents/instruments conveying title.SB 1806 – Regulates petroleum products, oil/gas equipment/waste; creates new offenses.SB 1844 – Authorizes disannexation from municipalities that fail to provide services.SB 1851 – Imposes penalties for municipal noncompliance with audit requirements.SB 1940 – Authorizes beneficiary designation to transfer manufactured homes at owner’s death.SB 1964 – Regulates AI system use and governmental data management.SB 2004 – Makes the INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington eligible for major events reimbursement.SB 2068 – Requires appraisal districts to keep confidential certain identifying info from property owners.SB 2075 – Establishes advisory bodies for TDLR programs.SB 2112 – Increases penalties for certain oyster mariculture crimes.SB 2121 – Regulates business entities that act as data brokers.SB 2137 – Allocates low-income housing tax credits.SB 2145 – Allows public improvement district boards and reinvestment zone boards to meet via telecommunication.SB 2167 – Licenses/regulates massage therapy.SB 2173 – Effect of tax certificates on property transfer.SB 2221 – Establishes penalties/fees for fraudulent financing statements.SB 2237 – Governs severance pay for certain political subdivision employees.SB 2349 – Requires notice for leased dwellings located in floodplains.SB 2269 – Creates dispute resolution & enforcement procedures for long-term care facilities.SB 2337 – Regulates the provision of proxy advisory services.SB 2411 – Updates provisions relating to business organizations.SB 2477 – Restricts municipal regulation of office-to-residential conversion projects.SB 2550 – Exempts certain water rights transfers from disclosure requirements tied to real property transactions.SB 2601 – Establishes a landowner compensation program.SB 2610 – Limits civil liability for business entities related to system security breaches.SB 2629 – Governs condo & property owners’ associations (organization, meetings, voting).SB 2925 – Establishes the Task Force on Modernizing Manufacturing.

Elections

Dozens of new laws take effect Sept. 1 that change how Texas elections are conducted, from poll watcher eligibility and mail ballot procedures to election fraud penalties and voting system audits. The Legislature focused heavily on security, accessibility for disabled voters, and accountability for election officials.

Voting access & procedures: New rules for mail ballot applications, disability accommodations, and precinct chair ballot requirements.Election security: Prohibitions on wireless devices in polling places, mandatory audits of electronic voting systems, and stricter testing of tabulation equipment.Criminal penalties: Increased punishments for election fraud, new offenses tied to election conduct, and restrictions on the political activities of election administrators.Data & oversight: DPS data-sharing for the statewide voter roll, new reporting and audit requirements, and deadlines for resolving complaints.Candidate & official rules: Ineligibility for certain poll watchers, disqualification of candidates who file in multiple parties, and confidentiality protections for election officials.

Below is the index of election-related bills taking effect Sept. 1. This list highlights how lawmakers adjusted both the frontline voter experience and the behind-the-scenes processes that run Texas elections.

HB 493 – Ineligibility criteria for serving as a poll watcher.HB 521 – Accommodating voters with disabilities; creates a criminal offense.HB 1661 – Election supplies and conduct of elections; creates criminal offenses and increases penalties.HB 3909 – Prohibits wireless device use at polling places.HB 640 – Election authority office hours during an election period.HB 677 – Restrictions on political activities of county elections administrators.HB 766 – Ballot application requirements for election of precinct chairs.HB 2259 – Instructions for early voting ballot application form.HB 3697 – Updates text on applications for voting by mail.HB 5115 – Increases penalties for the crime of election fraud.SB 447 – Authorizes certain municipalities to change the date of their general election for officers.SB 506 – Sets requirements for certain ballot propositions and related procedures.SB 509 – Requires notice to the attorney general in certain Election Code TRO actions.SB 510 – Relates to voter registrar compliance with voter registration laws.SB 688 – Sets the meeting date of presidential electors in Texas.SB 827 – Requires audits of elections using electronic voting systems.SB 869 – Sets a deadline for TEC to resolve certain complaints.SB 901 – Disqualifies candidates who file applications with more than one political party.SB 985 – Authorizes a combination of certain election precincts.SB 1433 – Authorizes AG to assert legislative privilege in constitutional challenges.SB 1470 – Requires DPS to share data for statewide voter registration list.SB 1540 – Maintains confidentiality of personal information of election officials and employees.SB 1862 – Requires interstate voter registration notification by registrars.SB 2166 – Requires testing of voting tabulation equipment.SB 2216 – Strengthens security of election system equipment.SB 2217 – Revises various election practices and procedures.SB 2753 – Integrates early voting by personal appearance with Election Day voting; revises return processing and procedures.SB 2781 – Establishes civil penalties for certain lobbying-related violations involving political contributions and expenditures.SB 2964 – Relating to an opportunity to correct certain defects in an early voting ballot voted by mail.

More laws

HB 12 – Review and audit of certain state agency operations.HB 14 – Support for development of the nuclear energy industry.HB 34 – Prohibiting investment of state money in certain countries/business entities.HB 35 – Peer support network for first responders.HB 49 – Treatment and beneficial use of fluid oil and gas waste, with liability limits.HB 103 – Creation and maintenance of a database of taxing unit bond, tax, and bond-related project information (civil penalty for noncompliance).HB 229 – Governmental information collection and definitions regarding biological sex.HB 551 – Address information on political contribution and expenditure reports posted online by the Texas Ethics Commission.HB 694 – Notification requirements related to children in the managing conservatorship of DFPS.HB 762 – Limits on severance pay for political subdivision employees/independent contractors.HB 1397 – Custody, care, and display of historic Texas documents (Victory or Death letter, Texas Constitution, Declaration of Independence).HB 1403 – Firearm information collection and confidentiality in agency foster homes; civil penalty.HB 1500 – Continuation and functions of the Department of Information Resources; collaboration with comptroller on state assistance programs.HB 1522 – Meeting notice requirements under the open meetings law.HB 1584 – Creation of a list of priority facilities by electric utilities.HB 1592 – Alert system for dangerous plant/wildlife pests and diseases via Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.HB 1593 – Advisory committee to study suicide prevention and peer support in fire departments.HB 1606 – Requires notice to retail electric customers on procedures for vegetation management near transmission/distribution lines.HB 1620 – Non-substantive revisions and corrections to enacted codes and codifications.HB 1734 – Rules for transferring court files in suits affecting the parent-child relationship with jurisdiction changes.HB 1828 – Legislative leave provisions for TDCJ correctional officers.HB 1875 – General Land Office study regarding veterans cemeteries.HB 1894 – Designates November as Veterans Month.HB 1916 – Court jurisdiction in suits to divide property not addressed in divorce.HB 1973 – Proof of identity of parents in suits affecting the parent-child relationship.HB 1991 – Information requirements for charges by municipally owned utility systems.HB 2014 – Election of board of directors of the Somervell County Hospital District.HB 2018 – Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program.HB 2293 – Election of Sweeny Hospital District board members.HB 2340 – Child custody evaluator qualifications, communications, recordkeeping, and admissibility of evaluations.HB 2350 – Standing in suits affecting the parent-child relationship.HB 2434 – Purchase of service credit for ERS retirement.HB 2467 – Compensation/benefits for peace officers commissioned by the state fire marshal.HB 2524 – Governs recovery of fees, costs, and expenses in family law proceedings.HB 2530 – Provides rules for special appointments in suits affecting the parent-child relationship.HB 2564 – Evaluation of Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant applications.HB 2688 – Addresses municipal public retirement systems.HB 2760 – Establishes judicial review of TWC unemployment compensation decisions.HB 2802 – Regulates firefighter retirement systems in certain municipalities.HB 2809 – Requires DFPS reporting on suicide attempts by youth in managing conservatorship.HB 2818 – Creates artificial intelligence division within Department of Information Resources.HB 3033 – Establishes grant program for nonprofits supporting DPS employees (funded by voluntary contributions).HB 3104 – Governs appointment/compensation of a bailiff by Webb County district court judges.HB 3146 – Addresses hearings conducted by the State Office of Administrative Hearings.HB 3153 – Establishes hiring/employment requirements for workers in direct contact with children at facilities.HB 3161 – Adjusts member contributions to the Texas Municipal Retirement System.HB 3180 – Specifies contents of disclosure requests in Family Code civil actions.HB 3284 – Creates the Texas Commission on Marriage and Family.HB 3421 – Revises probate court jurisdiction and decedents’ estate matters.HB 3474 – Requires evaluation/reporting of investment practices of public retirement systems.HB 3512 – Establishes AI training programs for state/local government employees and officials.HB 3513 – Adjusts composition/duties of Moore County Juvenile Board.HB 3516 – Clarifies public information law exemptions for administrative law judge records.HB 3623 – Revises bidding/solicitation process for state agencies and the comptroller.HB 3698 – Ties reemployment services participation to unemployment benefits eligibility.HB 3700 – Strengthens fraud, waste, and abuse prevention in Texas Workforce Commission programs.HB 3711 – Authorizes AG’s open records division to assist in investigating open meetings offenses.HB 3848 – Requires electronic submission of inspection reports and fees for elevators/escalators.HB 3923 – Expands state employment opportunities for individuals without bachelor’s degrees.HB 4042 – Extends Railroad Commission safety provisions and fees to gas distribution pipelines.HB 4112 – Regulates disposal/storage of high-level radioactive waste.HB 4187 – Expands the authority of the Texas Historical Commission; authorizes fees.HB 4341 – Requires critical infrastructure emergency response maps; establishes a grant program.HB 4344 – Grants PUC access to criminal history records.HB 4413 – Addresses renewable biomass feedstock attribution.HB 4426 – Requires RRC permits for commercial surface disposal facilities.HB 4042 – Extends Railroad Commission safety provisions and fees to gas distribution pipelines.HB 4464 – Provides workers’ comp for Texas Task Force 1 and certain fire/incident response teams; removes nongovernment coverage.HB 4466 – Limits fees charged for issuing certain birth records.HB 4795 – Duties of DSHS vital statistics unit in suits affecting parent-child relationships (incl. electronic data transmission).HB 4748 – Revises state agency purchasing methods, including multiple award contract procedures.HB 4751 – Establishes and administers the Texas Quantum Initiative.HB 4765 – Regulates code enforcement officers and trainees.HB 4850 – Expands the Governor’s Office economic development programs; repeals the broadband development council.HB 5149 – Restricts the collection and use of DNA samples from children in DFPS custody.HB 5093 – Limits disclosure of certain notary public contact information under public information law.HB 5061 – Prohibits certain activities by state contractors and vendors; sets administrative penalties.HB 5195 – Requires modernization of state agency websites and digital services.HB 5196 – Expands telework options for state employees.HB 5246 – Expands powers of Texas Space Commission & Aerospace Research Consortium; abolishes spaceport trust fund.HB 5323 – Creates Texas Energy Waste Advisory Committee.HB 5616 – Establishes the Texas presidential library promotion program.HB 5534 – Requires electronic posting of commissioners court notices/agendas.HB 5308 – Expands adjutant general’s procurement & construction authority.HB 5629 – Streamlines occupational licensing for military members, veterans, and spouses.

HB 3092 – Requires a certificate of public convenience/necessity to construct electric transmission lines.HB 3228 – Requires inclusion of certain provisions in lease agreements for wind/solar power facilities.HB 3229 – Regulates recycling of renewable energy components; authorizes administrative penalties.HB 3809 – Regulates the removal of battery energy storage facilities.HB 3824 – Sets fire safety standards and emergency operations for battery energy storage facilities; adds penalties.HB 4042 – Extends Railroad Commission safety provisions and fees to gas distribution pipelines.HB 4112 – Regulates disposal/storage of high-level radioactive waste.HB 4187 – Expands the authority of the Texas Historical Commission; authorizes fees.HB 4341 – Requires critical infrastructure emergency response maps; establishes a grant program.HB 4344 – Grants PUC access to criminal history records.HB 4413 – Addresses renewable biomass feedstock attribution.HB 4426 – Requires RRC permits for commercial surface disposal facilities.HB 5092 – Dissolution of Lubbock Reese Redevelopment Authority; agreements with Texas Tech.HB 5320 – Merges Starr County drainage & groundwater districts; allows taxation.HB 5662 – Fort Bend County WCID No. 12 road powers & bonds.HB 5666 – Creates Fenske Road MUD in Harris County.HB 5668 – Expands powers of Far North Fort Worth MUD No. 1.HB 5670 – Creates Montgomery County MUD No. 259.HB 5674 – Creates River Ranch MUD No. 1.HB 5679 – Creates Hills of Walnut Creek MUD (Parker County).HB 5688 – Creates San Benito MUD No. 1.HB 5695 – Creates Sayers Ranch MUD.HB 5696 – Creates The Reserve Municipal Management District.HB 5699 – Grants Harris County MUD No. 405 authority to exclude territory & validates acts.HB 5693 – Provides for the election of Jefferson County Drainage District No. 7 commissioners.HB 5664 – Relating to Wood County Central Hospital District operations.HB 5667 – Assigns chairmanship of Parker County juvenile board.HB 5672 – Adjusts boundaries & validates Driftwood Conservation District acts.HB 5560 – Increases penalties in certain suits involving groundwater conservation districts.SB 2053 – Creates the Governor’s Medal of Service award.SB 1 – General Appropriations Bill.SB 14 – Reforms agency rulemaking procedure; limits judicial deference to agency interpretation.SB 53 – Notice/filing requirements in court proceedings involving persons with mental illness.SB 66 – Study on supported decision-making agreements to assist adults with disabilities in legal proceedings.SB 140 – Defines solicitation-related communications; creates private rights of action.SB 217 – Establishes the Historic Texas Freedmen’s Cemetery Designation Program; authorizes a fee.SB 227 – Revises the application review process for delayed birth certificates.SB 269 – Requires reports of certain vaccine- or drug-related adverse events.SB 304 – Expands municipal court jurisdiction over health, safety, and nuisance abatement ordinances.SB 500 – Governs access to certain information in the adoption process.SB 663 – Relates to approval of community supervision and corrections department budgets/plans.SB 664 – Relates to training, supervision, and removal of certain judicial officers (masters, magistrates, referees, etc.).SB 667 – Prohibits certain state entities from investing in Chinese-affiliated entities.SB 651 – Requires veterans county service office to report to commissioners court or the county executive.SB 710 – Requires municipalities to establish electronic public communications systems.SB 765 – Confidentiality of fraud detection/deterrence information under public information law.SB 777 – Governs municipal charter/collective bargaining standards; impasse resolution.SB 850 – Governs payment of certain ad valorem tax refunds.SB 992 – Sets AG approval procedure for state agency contracts with outside legal services.SB 1079 – Governs county disposal of sensitive media devices.SB 1143 – Sets planning/evaluation requirements for workforce development programs.SB 1321 – Governs compensation/leave for certain peace officers.SB 1350 – Creates a commission to coordinate Texas bicentennial celebrations.SB 1403 – Revises Title IV-D child support agency powers, duties, and procedures.SB 1404 – Sets requirements for orders/judgments in DFPS parent-child suits.SB 1437 – Establishes eligibility for certain individuals as juvenile officers/facility staff.SB 1532 – Requires TWDB to post info online about SWIFT fund use.SB 1574 – Creates Texas Judicial Council centers of excellence program for judges/justices.SB 1589 – Defines contract requirements for DFPS/single-source continuum contractors.SB 1737 – Expands ERS service retirement benefits for certain law/custodial officers.SB 1814 – Creates a database of veteran resources for armed forces members.SB 1818 – Streamlines occupational licensing for military members, veterans, and spouses.SB 1839 – Revises delivery of records in transferred probate cases.SB 1841 – Expands confidentiality of local/airport government-collected data.SB 1858 – Expands eligibility for bulletproof vest and body armor grant program.SB 1923 – Allows modification of certain child support orders.SB 2032 – Revises DFPS single-source contractor agreements.SB 2052 – Revises suits affecting parent-child relationships between parent/non-parent.SB 2127 – Assigns retired/former justices and judges.SB 2232 – Designates October 21 as Unplug Texas Day.SB 2306 – Requires child-placing agencies to provide adoption cost information.SB 2312 – Establishes the Texas Advisory Committee on Geopolitical Conflict.SB 2367 – Grants certain counties authority to enact park use rules.SB 2405 – Sunset bill for TDCJ, Board of Criminal Justice, Board of Pardons and Paroles, Windham School District, and related agencies.SB 2543 – Adjusts revenue allocation for state veterans cemeteries.SB 2581 – Repeals the provision on jail commissary operations in certain counties.SB 2778 – Sets expenditure thresholds for emergency services district employees without board approval.

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