URGENT UPDATE: New laws in Texas officially took effect on January 1, 2026, introducing significant changes that will impact local communities across the state. These measures, passed by lawmakers during the last session, are designed to reshape how immigration cases are handled, expedite eviction processes, and regulate artificial intelligence, among other critical areas.
Texans are now facing a transformed legal landscape that includes Senate Bill 8, which mandates county sheriff offices to directly collaborate with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Under this new law, local jail staff are authorized to verify the immigration status of inmates and execute specific federal immigration warrants. A grant program has been established to assist sheriffs with training and implementation costs related to this mandate, potentially affecting thousands of detainees statewide.
In another major shift, Senate Bill 38 accelerates eviction proceedings against unauthorized occupants, commonly referred to as squatters. This law significantly shortens the court timeline for these cases to an estimated 10 to 21 days, limiting the procedural delays available to occupants and expediting the resolution of disputes. For many Texas landlords, this change means quicker access to their properties and a swifter return to normalcy.
The regulation of artificial intelligence also sees a major overhaul with House Bill 149. This legislation establishes a statewide framework requiring companies to be transparent about their AI systems. Notably, users must be informed when they are interacting with AI. A newly formed state advisory group will oversee compliance, and companies may face penalties for violations of these new requirements.
Additionally, House Bill 9 expands the business inventory tax exemption, raising the limit to $125,000. This change is set to provide much-needed financial relief to small businesses maintaining stock, allowing them to allocate funds more effectively within their operations.
In terms of digital safety, the Texas App Store Accountability Act requires app stores to verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent for app downloads or purchases made by minors, aiming to protect young users from potential online dangers.
Furthermore, adjustments to how specific ad valorem tax rates are calculated will impact property owners, particularly after natural disasters, while new insurance rules dictate when insurers may decline, cancel, or choose not to renew policies, affecting countless Texans seeking coverage.
These changes, effective immediately, reflect Texas lawmakers’ commitment to shaping a legal framework that addresses contemporary issues and demands. Residents are urged to stay informed and adapt to these new regulations that will undoubtedly affect their daily lives.
As these laws unfold, the immediate impacts will be felt across Texas. Stay tuned for further developments as the state navigates these significant changes.
