September 3, 2025

Big Changes Coming to Texas: Over 800 New Laws

News Summary

Texas is preparing to implement over 800 new laws that will bring significant changes to various sectors, including education, healthcare, and crime. The legislation, signed by Governor Greg Abbott, includes initiatives such as a massive budget for education and health services, a new school voucher program, increased funding for educator pay, and expansions in healthcare access. These changes are set to reshape the Lone Star State in profound ways, prompting discussions about their impacts on daily life and governance.

Texas is set to implement more than 800 new laws beginning September 1, 2025, following Governor Greg Abbott’s signing of 1,155 bills during the recent legislative session. These changes impact various sectors, including education, healthcare, crime, and public safety, representing a significant shift in the state’s legal landscape.

Of these new laws, over 200 have already taken effect immediately, addressing pressing issues such as a ban on cellphones in schools, clarifications on the abortion ban, property tax cuts, and increased oversight of Texas’s energy grid. Some laws will not become active until 2026 or will require voter approval in the upcoming November election, notably stricter bail policies and a proposed $3 billion fund dedicated to dementia research.

Among the notable legislation scheduled for activation on September 1, several major bills stand out:

Budget and Education Reforms

Senate Bill 1 establishes a $338 billion two-year budget with over 70% allocated towards education and health services, aiming to enhance the quality and accessibility of public education. In support of educational funding, House Bill 2 designates approximately $8.5 billion towards public schools, including more than $4 billion specifically to increase educator salaries.

School Voucher Program

Senate Bill 2 introduces a school voucher program, enabling parents to use public tax dollars for private school tuition, providing up to $10,000 per child, and potentially $30,000 for students with disabilities. This program reflects a significant shift in educational funding dynamics.

Cultural and Social Policies

New laws also address various cultural and social issues. Senate Bill 10 mandates the placement of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, although it is currently facing legal challenges. Senate Bill 12 extends bans on diversity, equity, and inclusion policies in K-12 schools and restricts curriculum related to sexual orientation and gender identity.

School Library Regulations

Senate Bill 13 enhances parental and school board control over reading materials in school libraries, which could lead to increased censorship of certain books and resources.

Healthcare Changes

House Bill 46 expands the medical marijuana program, allowing patients with chronic pain to access new inhaled products, broadening the scope of treatment options available to residents.

Public Safety Initiatives

In terms of public safety, significant steps have been taken to combat crime. New laws include enhanced penalties for human trafficking and measures to protect vulnerable individuals. House Bill 33 specifies that law enforcement agencies must develop crisis response strategies and training protocols related to active shooter incidents in schools.

Land Ownership and Local Governance

Senate Bill 17 prohibits entities from nations such as China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran from owning land in Texas, a move motivated by national security concerns. In addition, Senate Bill 33 prevents local governments from using funds to support residents seeking out-of-state abortions, underscoring the state’s strict stance on reproductive health policies.

Addressing the Water Crisis

Senate Bill 7 establishes frameworks for funding strategies aimed at addressing Texas’s ongoing water crisis, highlighting the importance of sustainable resource management.

Historical Context

The legislative session was marked by a notable trend in crime and safety reforms, demonstrating a clear focus on addressing various public safety and social issues affecting residents statewide. A total of 140 bills received no action from the governor, including 34 measures that took effect immediately, showing the varying levels of legislative priority within the session.

As Texas anticipates the arrival of these new laws on September 1, 2025, the state is poised for substantial changes that may reshape various aspects of daily life, from education to healthcare and public safety, reflecting the evolving priorities of its residents and lawmakers.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER

The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER

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