As of January 1, 2026, new legislation in Texas is reshaping various aspects of life in the state. These laws, passed during the last legislative session, cover crucial areas including immigration, eviction procedures, artificial intelligence regulation, business tax exemptions, and technology platform accountability.
Changes to Immigration Enforcement
One of the most significant new regulations is outlined in Senate Bill 8, which mandates county sheriff offices to engage with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through the federal 287(g) program. This law allows local jail staff to verify the immigration status of inmates and execute certain federal immigration warrants. To support this initiative, Texas has established a grant program designed to assist sheriffs with training and implementation costs.
Expedited Eviction Processes
Another notable change comes from Senate Bill 38, which accelerates eviction proceedings for unauthorized occupants, commonly known as squatters. This law reduces the court timelines for such cases to approximately 10 to 21 days, streamlining the process and limiting delays that occupants might otherwise exploit.
Regulation of Artificial Intelligence
With the rise of artificial intelligence technologies, House Bill 149 introduces a statewide framework aimed at regulating these systems. The law requires companies utilizing AI to maintain transparency, including informing users when they are interacting with an AI system. Additionally, it establishes a state advisory group tasked with overseeing the implementation and ensuring compliance with these new requirements, with penalties for violations.
Business Tax Exemptions and Technology Regulations
In a move to support small businesses, House Bill 9 increases the business inventory tax exemption limit to $125,000. This adjustment decreases the amount of inventory subject to property taxes, providing financial relief to businesses that carry stock.
Furthermore, the Texas App Store Accountability Act necessitates that app stores verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent for any downloads or purchases made by minors. This measure aims to enhance the protection of younger users in the digital space.
Additional adjustments have been made regarding the calculation of specific ad valorem tax rates, particularly in the wake of natural disasters, alongside changes in insurance rules governing when insurers may decline, cancel, or choose not to renew policies.
These new laws reflect Texas lawmakers’ ongoing efforts to address pressing issues within the state, impacting various sectors and residents alike. As these regulations come into force, they will undoubtedly influence the landscape of governance and business operations in Texas throughout 2026 and beyond.
