4 New Texas Laws You Need to Know in 2025

New year, new laws. Texas is making it easier to understand the confusing legal jargon in 2025. Plus, residents get to take one more thing off their to-do list. From clearer legal rules to ditching your yearly car inspection, these updates are designed to make life a little smoother. And who doesn’t want that?

1. Bye-Bye, Vehicle Inspections (But Not for Everyone)

The big one for most drivers: House Bill 3297 ends yearly safety inspections for non-commercial vehicles in Texas.

• Starting January 1, 2025, you won’t need to get your car inspected to renew your registration.
• Instead, you’ll pay a $7.50 fee when renewing.
• But wait! If you live in one of these 18 counties, you’ll still need an emissions test:
  • Bexar, Brazoria, Collin, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Ellis, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis, and Williamson

Why care? If you hate the hassle of inspections, this is a win. But if you’re in one of those counties, keep your inspection sticker handy.

2. Making State Laws Less Confusing

House Bill 4504 is here to cut through the legal jargon. It’s like a translator for Texas law.

• This bill updates and simplifies the state’s Code of Criminal Procedure.
  • The meaning of the laws stays the same; they’ll just be easier to understand.

Why should you care? Because knowing the law shouldn’t require a law degree. This makes it clearer for everyone, from legal experts to everyday Texans.

3. Keeping Schools Funded (Even if Property Taxes Drop)

Senate Bill 2 helps schools stay afloat when local tax revenue dips.

• If property tax revenues fall short, schools can apply for extra state funding.
• The Texas Education Agency will publish the highest compressed tax rate for each school district.

Why does this matter to you? Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or student, this helps keep school budgets stable, even when the economy isn’t.

4. More Control Over Your Personal Data

House Bill 4 strengthens the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act starting January 1.

• You’ll be able to use your browser settings or phone features to opt out of data sales, targeted ads, and personal data profiling.
• Businesses that don’t follow these rules could face penalties.

Why care? This law gives you more power over who sees your data. No more creepy ads following you around online (unless you want them to).