5 Big Changes Coming to Texas Laws in 2025

With the New Year approaching, Texas is ringing in 2025 with some major legal changes that could affect everything from your morning commute to your online privacy. Starting January 1, here’s what Texans need to know about the new laws taking effect:

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1. No More Vehicle Safety Inspections for Non-Commercial Cars

The days of annual safety inspections for non-commercial vehicles are officially over. Under House Bill 3297, drivers will no longer need to schedule appointments or wait in line for inspections to register their vehicles. Instead, Texans will pay a $7.50 fee during their yearly registration renewal.

For new vehicles, there’s a separate rule. Cars purchased in Texas that are either the current model year or the one before it—and have never been registered in Texas or another state—must pay an initial inspection program replacement fee of $16.75. This fee covers the first two years of registration.

While this change might save time for drivers, it’s raising concerns for small businesses that rely on safety inspections. Some inspection stations across Texas have already expressed worries about closures due to lost revenue.

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2. Texans Gain Expanded Data Privacy Rights

Online privacy is taking center stage in Texas with House Bill 4, which strengthens consumer protections under the Texas Privacy and Data Security Act. This law, which partially went into effect in July 2024, gets expanded enforcement starting January 2025.

Here’s what it means for Texans:

• Consumers can opt out of data collection through browser settings, device preferences, or web extensions.
• Companies must clearly disclose what personal information they collect and how it’s used.
• Businesses will need explicit consent before collecting or processing sensitive personal data.

These updates give Texans more control over their digital footprint while holding companies accountable for transparency and compliance.

3. Property Tax Relief for Schools and Homeowners

Property taxes are often a hot topic in Texas, and Senate Bill 2 aims to provide some relief—particularly for schools and homeowners affected by tax limitations.

Starting January 1, 2025:

• School districts can apply for additional state funding if property tax revenues fall short, ensuring budgets stay intact even when taxes are capped.
• Homeowners—especially the elderly and disabled—who benefit from property tax caps will no longer have to worry about their protections leading to school budget cuts.
• The Texas Education Agency must publicly post the maximum compressed tax rates for each district, improving transparency for taxpayers.

This law balances tax relief with financial stability for public schools, offering long-term protections for both groups.

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4. San Antonio River Authority Changes Its Fiscal Year-End

The San Antonio River Authority, which manages flood control and water quality in the region, is also seeing a legislative update. Under House Bill 1535, its fiscal year-end will officially change to September 30 each year.

While this might seem like a minor shift, it aligns the authority’s financial reporting with state and federal timelines, making budgeting and project planning more efficient.

5. Modernizing the Texas Criminal Code

Navigating the legal system is about to get easier thanks to House Bill 4504, which revises the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure to make it more modern and user-friendly.

Key updates include:

• Clarifications on peace officers’ powers and duties, ensuring laws are easier to interpret.
• Revised guidelines for law enforcement interactions with the public, improving transparency during investigations.
• Streamlined procedures for venue changes and expunction of criminal records, making the process faster and less complicated.

The goal is to simplify outdated language while ensuring that legal experts, law enforcement, and the general public have clearer guidance on the law.

From ditching safety inspections to bolstering privacy rights, these new laws are set to shake up life in Texas starting January 1, 2025. Whether you’re renewing your car registration, browsing online, or following updates on property taxes, these changes are worth keeping an eye on as we enter the New Year.