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More than 830 new Texas laws take effect Sept. 1. Here's what's changing | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, August 31st 2025 at 19:32 GMT by Houston Public Media
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More Than 830 New Texas Laws Take Effect Sept. 1 – Here’s What’s Changing

On September 1, 2025, a sweeping wave of legislation will roll out across Texas, with the Texas Legislature reporting that more than 830 new statutes will take effect. The changes span nearly every sector—from criminal justice and public safety to education and labor—and signal a major shift in the state’s policy landscape. The new laws, largely the result of the 2025 legislative session, reflect the priorities of the Republican majority while addressing long‑standing public‑service challenges. Below is a concise rundown of the most consequential changes, grouped by theme, along with links to the official Texas Legislature portal for the full text and explanatory resources.

1. Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Criminal‑Sentencing Reform
The new statutes introduce a tiered sentencing framework for non‑violent drug offenses. Felony possession of cannabis (up to one ounce) now carries a maximum of 30 days’ confinement and a fine of up to $1,500, with the possibility of a diversion program for first‑time offenders. The reforms aim to curb prison overcrowding and free up resources for rehabilitation programs. The Texas Law Center’s “Sentencing Guide” provides a side‑by‑side comparison of pre‑ and post‑law penalties.

Domestic‑Violence Protection
A landmark addition requires that all domestic‑violence victims receive free legal representation if they request it, funded by a modest surcharge on county property taxes. This move, championed by Texas Women’s Rights Coalition, expands court‑appointed counsel for victims of abuse. The full statute can be examined on the legislature’s site, where a summary of the cost‑sharing formula is displayed.

Gun‑Control Measures
The state adopts a “safe‑storage” mandate for all handguns, which now prohibits leaving a loaded gun in a vehicle unless it is locked in a compartment not readily accessible by a minor. The new law also imposes a 30‑day waiting period on the purchase of a hand‑gun for residents who have been convicted of a domestic‑violence misdemeanor. These provisions reflect the 2023 ballot measure (Proposition 8) that previously limited the sale of certain firearms.

Revised Bail Regulations
Bail reform now requires that all pre‑trial detainees be assessed on a risk‑based system that weighs the potential threat to public safety, flight risk, and likelihood of reoffending. High‑risk defendants may be detained without a cash bail requirement, while low‑risk offenders will be released on a nominal bond. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has released a guidance memo that details the new risk‑assessment algorithm.

2. Education and School Policy

Curriculum Oversight
The new law expands the state board of education’s authority to review curriculum materials for alignment with Texas history standards. It adds a requirement that all textbooks undergo a “historical review” by the board before publication, ensuring that “Texas’s unique history” is properly represented.

School‑Board Authority
Local school boards now have the power to set attendance policies that allow parents to opt out of specific courses if they can demonstrate “religious or philosophical objection.” The legislature added a clause mandating that school districts provide a free alternative educational program for opting‑out students.

Standardized Testing
The Department of Education has announced a new testing schedule that eliminates the spring “end‑of‑year” test for middle‑school students, replacing it with a district‑level assessment to be administered in late summer. The new tests focus on reading comprehension and STEM fundamentals, with results to be used for teacher evaluation and district funding.

Teacher‑Contract Provisions
The Legislature has codified a new clause that requires collective‑bargaining agreements for teachers to include a “fair‑pay” provision. The provision stipulates a minimum raise of 3 % per year or a cost‑of‑living adjustment. The Texas Educators Association has released a briefing on how the new law will affect pension contributions.

3. Labor and Workplace

Minimum Wage & Overtime
The state’s minimum wage is slated to rise to $13.25 an hour by 2028, with a new overtime cap of 48 hours per week instead of the current 60. The new schedule includes a “non‑union” exemption for certain agricultural jobs, a point of contention for labor unions.

Gig‑Economy Worker Classification
New statutes reclassify gig‑economy drivers and couriers as “dependent contractors” rather than independent contractors, which obliges their platforms to provide paid sick leave and to contribute to unemployment insurance. The Texas Workforce Commission has issued a FAQ that explains how the new classification will affect benefit eligibility.

Safety Regulations
The Texas Occupational Safety and Health Act now requires employers in the construction sector to provide daily safety briefings and to maintain a digital log of incident reports. The Texas Department of Labor’s online portal offers a downloadable template for the logbook.

4. Health and Human Services

Medicaid Expansion
The Legislature has extended Medicaid coverage to adults earning up to 138 % of the federal poverty level, aligning Texas with the federal Affordable Care Act’s expansion. The policy includes provisions for expanded coverage of mental‑health services and a “telehealth waiver” for rural providers. The Texas Health & Human Services Department’s “Coverage Guide” offers details on enrollment.

Opioid Crisis Initiative
A new bill creates a state‑wide opioid monitoring program that tracks prescription patterns across all hospitals and pharmacies. The program will generate an annual report on misuse trends and supply shortages. The Texas Department of Public Safety’s “Prescription Drug Monitoring” page lists the new database’s launch timeline.

Vaccination Policy
The law requires all K‑12 school districts to adopt a mandatory COVID‑19 vaccination policy for students and staff, with a 90‑day grace period for exemptions on religious or medical grounds. The Texas Department of State Health Services provides an exemption form on its website.

5. Environmental and Energy

Water‑Use Restrictions
The new statutes tighten groundwater extraction limits for non‑agricultural uses, establishing a cap on monthly withdrawal volumes based on local watershed sustainability scores. The Texas Water Commission’s “Aquifer Protection” page contains a calculator for municipalities to determine compliance.

Renewable‑Energy Incentives
The Legislature expands the state renewable‑energy tax credit to cover residential solar installations up to 15 % of the system cost, effective September 1. The Texas Comptroller’s office has released a spreadsheet to help homeowners estimate savings.

6. Business and Taxation

Corporate Governance
Companies with more than 500 employees must now submit an annual “Corporate Transparency Report” detailing executive compensation and board composition. The Texas Comptroller’s “Corporate Filing” portal includes a downloadable reporting template.

Tax Relief for Start‑ups
A new small‑business tax credit allows startups that create at least five full‑time jobs to receive a tax reduction of up to $5,000 per year for the first three years of operation. The Texas Economic Development Council has posted a guide on how to qualify.

Insurance Reforms
The new laws impose stricter licensing requirements on health‑insurance brokers and require the Texas Insurance Commission to publish an annual “Broker Performance Index.”

7. Elections and Governance

Voter‑ID Law
A new voter‑ID law mandates that all primary elections require photo ID, with the state offering free IDs at designated sites. The Texas Secretary of State’s “Election Guidelines” page lists all eligible ID documents.

Early‑Voting Extension
Early voting will now extend to five days before Election Day, replacing the current three‑day window. This change is slated to increase turnout among working voters.

Campaign Finance Transparency
The legislature passed a bill that requires all campaign contributors to be disclosed within 30 days of the election. The Texas Ethics Commission’s “Campaign Finance Portal” will host the public database.

Bottom Line

With over 830 new statutes sweeping the state, the Texas Legislature is making bold changes in an effort to streamline public services, enhance safety, and address contemporary social issues. The breadth of the reforms means that residents, businesses, and institutions across Texas will need to adjust quickly. State agencies have issued detailed implementation guides, and the Texas Legislature’s online repository offers comprehensive access to the full text of each law, enabling stakeholders to prepare for the transition.

As the September 1 deadline approaches, watch closely for updates from the Texas Legislature’s “Law Changes” page and from local news outlets that will provide real‑time commentary on how these laws unfold in the weeks and months ahead.