The new year brings new legislation. Beginning January 1, 2025, six new Texas laws will go into effect ranging from vehicular inspections to data privacy and property. Be sure to get up to code with the state legislation.
Texas Data Privacy and Security Act
First enacted in 2023, major provisions of House Bill 4, otherwise called the Texas Data Privacy & Security Act, will be implemented in 2025. This would give Texans greater control of their personal data – facilitating Texans’ access as well as their ability to control, correct, and delete data that’s been collected by businesses.
Furthermore, the act would limit the ways in which businesses can process and sell personal data. Businesses will now be subject to greater transparency with regard to their data practices. Per the law, users would first have to consent before businesses could collect personal data. Businssess are also subject to greater stringency to protect data security.
Vehicular Inspections
The state no longer requires Texas drivers to perform annual safety vehicular inspections. Per House Bill 3297, non-commercial vehicles are no longer subject to yearly safety inspections. Instead, Texas drivers will pay a fee of $7.50 vehicle registration fee.
Those registering new vehicles from the last two models years, will have to pay a $16.75 fee for two years which will go toward the Texas general revenue fund, Texas Mobility Fund, and clean air account.
Those living in the following counties will still be subject to emissions tests: Bexar (starting 2026), Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis, Williamson, and El Paso.
Property Tax Relief Act
The implementation of the phased Property Tax Relief Act will continue into 2025. Per Texas Senate Bill 2, the Property Tax Relief Act lowers school district tax rates as a means to reduce Texas homeowners’ property tax burdens. The act also aims to facilitate the operation of school districts by generating additional state funding.
Criminal Procedure Revisions
House Bill 4504 does not introduce any new policy, but rather clarifies the language of the statute in a way that is accessible and understandable by the public and legal professionals.
Creating Courts
Originally enacted in 2023, House Bill 3474 continues to establish new courts in the state as a means to improve accessibility to its judicial system. The bill establishes the 477th judicial district in Denton, as well the 499th judicial district for Kimball, Edwards, and Gillepsie counties. The 498th judicial district will be established on October 1st this year in Kendall County.
San Antonio River Authority’s Fiscal Year
Per the Sunset Advisory Commission’s recommendations, Texas House Bill 1535, alters the San Antonio River Authority members’ terms of office – shifting its fiscal year so that it ends on September 30, 2025.
See also: 30 incredible things to do this January in Houston to jumpstart your year