Starting September 1, over 800 new laws will go into effect in Texas, ushering in major changes to the state’s education system, infrastructure, and other key areas. Governor Greg Abbott signed 1,155 bills following the recent legislative session. Of these, more than 200 became law immediately, including a school cellphone ban, abortion-related clarifications, a property tax cut, and new energy grid oversight. Others will roll out in 2026 or require voter approval in November.
Key Laws Taking Effect
1. State Budget: $338 Billion Spending Plan (Senate Bill 1)
Texas’ new two-year budget sets aside over 70% of its $338 billion for education and health services. It includes:
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Property tax relief
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A new school voucher program
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More funding for public schools
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Investments in energy, water, and broadband infrastructure
A $60 million provision to join a federal summer lunch program for low-income children was vetoed by Abbott over concerns about federal funding uncertainties.
2. School Vouchers (Senate Bill 2)
This law creates one of the largest school voucher programs in the U.S., giving families about $10,000 per child to use for private school tuition and education-related costs. Students with disabilities may qualify for up to $30,000. Although the law starts on Sept. 1, the voucher system won’t launch until the 2026–27 school year.
3. Public School Funding Boost (House Bill 2)
Allocates $8.5 billion in new funding for public schools, including:
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$4 billion for teacher pay raises
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Money for special education, school safety, early childhood programs, and teacher training
Parts of the bill took effect immediately; others will roll out over the coming years.
4. Ten Commandments in Classrooms (Senate Bill 10)
Requires all public school classrooms to display a donated Ten Commandments poster (minimum 16×20 inches). The law is currently blocked in several districts by a federal judge, pending further legal action.
5. Ban on DEI Programs in K-12 (Senate Bill 12)
Expands the state’s ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to public schools. It:
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Prohibits schools from considering race, gender identity, or sexual orientation in hiring
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Bans related instructional content and student clubs (e.g., Gender and Sexuality Alliance)
Civil rights groups, including the ACLU of Texas, are challenging the law in court.
6. Book and Library Oversight (Senate Bill 13)
Gives parents and school boards more authority over what books students can access. A school advisory council can also be formed if at least 50 parents petition. Supporters say it protects students; critics say it leads to censorship.
7. More Power for University Regents (Senate Bill 37)
Shifts authority from faculty to politically appointed university regents, giving them more control over hiring and compliance with state laws, including DEI bans. Supporters argue it addresses political bias; critics warn of academic freedom risks.
8. School Safety & Law Enforcement Protocols (House Bill 33)
In response to the Uvalde shooting, this law:
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Requires annual coordination between schools and law enforcement
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Mandates active shooter response training
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Requires detailed post-incident reports
9. Long-Term Water Infrastructure Funding (Senate Bill 7)
Establishes a plan to fund water projects through the Texas Water Development Board. Implementation depends on a November vote to approve a constitutional amendment that would direct $1 billion annually to a Texas Water Fund from 2027–2047.
10. Housing Reform (Senate Bill 15)
Allows for smaller-lot single-family homes by limiting city requirements to 3,000 square feet per home for certain new subdivisions. Aims to increase housing supply and affordability in fast-growing urban areas.
11. Foreign Ownership Ban (Senate Bill 17)
Blocks individuals, companies, and governments from China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran from purchasing land or property in Texas. The governor can expand the list. Critics say it may lead to discrimination; supporters cite national security concerns.
12. Abortion Travel Funding Ban (Senate Bill 33)
Prevents local governments from using public funds to assist residents seeking abortions out of state. The law was prompted by city initiatives in Austin and San Antonio and has already led to legal battles.
13. Expanded Medical Marijuana Access (House Bill 46)
Adds chronic pain, traumatic brain injury, and Crohn’s disease to the list of conditions eligible for Texas’ medical marijuana program. Also permits vaporized and aerosol delivery methods.
14. Legal Definition of Biological Sex (House Bill 229)
Defines “man” and “woman” in state law based on reproductive biology. Government agencies must use these definitions when collecting data. Critics argue the law erases transgender identities in official records.
15. Ban on NDAs in Sexual Abuse Cases (Senate Bill 835 – “Trey’s Law”)
Voids non-disclosure agreements in cases involving sexual assault or human trafficking. Named after Trey Carlock, a survivor who died by suicide after signing an NDA. Advocates say the law helps survivors speak out and seek justice.