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New Texas Laws To Take Effect In 2025: What You Need To Know

As the new year begins, Texans will see several key laws passed by the state Legislature in 2023 taking effect in 2025. From property tax changes to updates in vehicle inspections and data privacy, here are six significant laws that may impact you starting January 1, 2025, as first reported by the Austin American-Statesman.

1. San Antonio River Authority’s Fiscal Year Shift

Texas House Bill 1535 brings changes to the San Antonio River Authority, including a shift in the fiscal year, which will now end on September 30 beginning in 2025. The new fiscal year schedule is part of ongoing reforms suggested by the Sunset Advisory Commission.

2. Texas Data Privacy and Security Act

House Bill 4, also known as the Texas Data Privacy & Security Act, brings new protections for consumers’ personal data.

One major change is the requirement for businesses to honor unified “opt-out” mechanisms, allowing consumers to block targeted ads, data selling, and profiling. Non-compliant companies could face civil penalties.

3. Property Tax Relief Act

The Property Tax Relief Act (Senate Bill 2) includes provisions that began rolling out in 2023, with new sections taking effect in January 2025. These changes aim to ease the burden of rising property taxes for homeowners. Notably, additional federal funding will be allocated to schools if local property tax revenue falls short, especially in cases involving elderly and disabled homeowners. 

4. Changes to State Vehicle Inspections

A major shift in vehicle inspection regulations comes with House Bill 3297. Starting in 2025, noncommercial drivers will no longer need to undergo annual vehicle inspections for registration. Instead, a $7.50 fee will be added to their registration charges. However, vehicle emissions testing will still be required in certain counties. New vehicles purchased in Texas will also need to pay an inspection replacement fee to cover the first two years.

5. Creation of the 477th Judicial District

House Bill 3474 introduces the creation of the 477th Judicial District in Denton County, effective January 2025. This change is part of broader judicial reforms designed to improve the efficiency of Texas’ court system.

6. Revision of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure

House Bill 4505 aims to restructure and clarify existing criminal procedure laws. While this bill doesn’t introduce new legal principles, it makes the state’s legal code more accessible and understandable.

Additional Laws Coming

As first reported by KXAN: 

April 2025:
Revisions to Medicaid and Social Services

House Bill 4611 makes various amendments and corrections affecting the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), Medicaid, and other social services programs. It also brings adjustments to previously enacted codes to streamline and enhance service delivery and regulatory oversight.

July 2025:
Overhaul of Temporary Vehicle Tags

A significant shift in vehicle registration procedures comes with House Bill 718, which eliminates temporary paper license plates and permits issued by dealers in Texas. Instead, dealers will now issue metal temporary license plates, which must be obtained from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV).

September 2025:
Voluntary Accreditation for Recovery Housing

House Bill 299 introduces minimum standards for recovery houses providing substance use disorder services. It establishes a voluntary accreditation program administered by approved accrediting organizations.

Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act

House Bill 3929 authorizes the Texas Supreme Court to adopt the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act as part of the state’s civil procedure rules. This change aims to streamline the process for taking depositions and discovery across state lines.

New County Health Care Program in Jefferson County

House Bill 4835 replaces the municipal health care provider participation program in the City of Beaumont with a county-level program in Jefferson County. The change is designed to improve the coordination and delivery of healthcare services within the county.

Consumer Protections for Emergency Medical Services Billing

Senate Bill 2476 introduces protections for consumers facing out-of-network billing for emergency medical services. The law sets the method for determining payments by health maintenance organizations (HMOs), insurance providers, and other healthcare entities for services provided by non-network or out-of-network emergency medical service providers.

October 2025:
Establishment of the 498th Judicial District


House Bill 3474, an omnibus bill related to the Texas judicial branch, will establish the 498th Judicial District in Kendall County. This new district is part of broader changes to improve the efficiency and accessibility of Texas’ court system.

RA Staff
RA Staff
Written by RA News staff.

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