10 New Texas Laws Every Resident Needs to Know

Heated debates are forming as hundreds of new laws take effect in Texas. More than 800 new Texas laws kicked in on September 1st, and many will likely be relevant to your daily life.

Here are a few of the biggest areas to watch:

Schools and Students

From pay raises for teachers to a massive new voucher program, education is at the forefront. There are also new rules on cellphones in classrooms, library book access, and even Ten Commandments posters in public schools, one of the most controversial moves in Texas law.

Public Safety

Law enforcement agencies will now be required to coordinate on crisis response plans, with stricter training and reporting after active shooter events. Stricter bail rules and expanded oversight of the energy grid are also areas where new laws were formed.

Social Issues

Several new laws aim to improve DEI programs in schools, LGBTQ+ student clubs, abortion-related funding, and even how the state defines men and women in legal documents. Supporters call it protecting values; critics say it strips away rights.

Everyday Life

From expanding medical marijuana access to chronic pain patients to new rules on property taxes, housing, and water infrastructure, these laws could change both your bills and your neighborhood.

That’s just scratching the surface. Most of these laws officially take effect on September 1, but others will roll out later or depend on November’s constitutional amendments.

Scroll through the gallery below for a detailed breakdown of the most notable new Texas laws and how they could impact you.