New Laws in Texas for 2026
Texans are starting 2026 under new rules approved by lawmakers last session, including changes to how local jails handle immigration cases, how quickly certain evictions move through the courts and how the state monitors artificial intelligence.
Here is what you need to know about the most notable laws now in force.
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Immigration and Public Safety
One of the significant changes is in the immigration and public safety sector. Senate Bill 8 requires county sheriff offices to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement through participation in the federal 287(g) program. This means that local jail staff are authorized to verify inmates’ immigration status and to carry out certain federal immigration warrants. The state has created a grant program to help sheriffs cover training and implementation costs tied to the mandate.
Housing and Property
Another area that has seen changes is in housing and property. Senate Bill 38 accelerated eviction proceedings involving unauthorized occupants, commonly referred to as squatters. The law shortens court timelines for these cases, reducing them to an estimated 10 to 21 days, and limits procedural delays available to occupants.
Technology and AI
The state of Texas has also introduced new regulations on artificial intelligence. House Bill 149 establishes a statewide framework for regulating artificial intelligence systems. The law requires transparency from companies using AI, including notifying people when they are interacting with an AI system. It also creates a state advisory group to oversee implementation and compliance. Penalties may apply for violations of the new requirements.
Business and Taxes
Businesses in Texas will also see some changes. House Bill 9 expands the business inventory tax exemption, raising the exemption limit to $125,000. The change reduces the amount of inventory subject to property taxes, offering relief to small businesses that maintain stock as part of their operations.
Other Changes
In addition to the above changes, there are several other laws that have come into effect. Technology platforms, for instance, will have to verify a user’s age and obtain parental consent for app downloads or purchases made by minors under the Texas App Store Accountability Act. Adjustments have also been made to how specific ad valorem tax rates are calculated, particularly following natural disasters. Furthermore, changes affect when insurers may decline, cancel or choose not to renew policies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the new laws in Texas for 2026 cover a wide range of areas, including immigration and public safety, housing and property, technology and AI, business and taxes, and other changes. These laws aim to improve the lives of Texans and make the state a better place to live and work. It is essential to understand these changes and how they may affect you and your community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the new laws in Texas for 2026:
Q: What is Senate Bill 8, and how does it affect immigration cases?
A: Senate Bill 8 requires county sheriff offices to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement through participation in the federal 287(g) program. This means that local jail staff are authorized to verify inmates’ immigration status and to carry out certain federal immigration warrants.
Q: How do the new laws affect eviction proceedings?
A: The new laws accelerate eviction proceedings involving unauthorized occupants, reducing court timelines to an estimated 10 to 21 days and limiting procedural delays available to occupants.
Q: What are the new regulations on artificial intelligence in Texas?
A: House Bill 149 establishes a statewide framework for regulating artificial intelligence systems, requiring transparency from companies using AI and creating a state advisory group to oversee implementation and compliance.
Q: How do the new laws affect businesses in Texas?
A: The new laws expand the business inventory tax exemption, raising the exemption limit to $125,000, and reduce the amount of inventory subject to property taxes, offering relief to small businesses that maintain stock as part of their operations.
