The New Laws Of Texas

Though many Texas lawmakers love to boast about the freedom of the lone star state, this legislative session introduced a doozy of new laws regulating and restricting quite a lot.

In fact, 800 new state laws from the regular and special sessions went into effect on September 1 alone. And earlier this month, a new round of laws went on the books. But, the state isn’t done. There’s still more on the horizon in 2026.

Many of these new laws represent a mix of hot button issues, like restricting access to reproductive health and bathroom use based on sex and not gender identity, reforming the state’s education system, and lots and lots of new tax laws. Here’s a look at what’s in place, and what’s to come:

Abortion Medication

Abortion medications is already illegal in Texas but under House Bill 7 (which went into effect December 4), anyone who manufactures, prescribes or distributes abortion medication can be sued with a minimum penalty of $100,000. The law is similar to the so-called abortion bounty hunter law that went into effect in September 2021, and created a de facto abortion ban in the state. One thing to note about this particular bill: someone accused of taking abortion medication cannot be sued.

Ivermectin Now Available Over The Counter

Ivermectin, an anti-parasitic medication (that can also be used as a livestock dewormer), became an unlikely “so-called cure” for many during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was touted by the likes of Joe Rogan and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (before he became the U.S. Health Secretary). Now, Texas has become the fifth state to allow Ivermectin to be available through a pharmacist without a prescription. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved it for coronavirus treatment.

Regulating Bathroom Use

Eight years ago, a bill that would restrict where transgender Texans could use bathrooms failed to pass in the Texas House during a special session, despite the crusading efforts of Lt. Governor Dan Patrick. A lot has changed in eight years. On December 4, Senate Bill 8 went into effect throughout the state. It bars transgender Texans from using bathrooms aligning with their gender identity in government buildings. Even when it was being debated, it was unclear how it would be enforced. Any Texan who violates SB 8 is not liable, but the onus remains on the organization or agency where they used a facility. Already, the law is creating tensions throughout several cities in the state.

Standardized Testing

House Bill 8 transitions the state’s standardized testing system, known as STAAR, from one to three tests beginning in fall 2027. HB 8’s author Rep. Brad Buckley (R-Salado), who heads the Public Education Committee, said the overhaul benefits teachers, student and parents because it will reduce test anxiety and provide teachers with immediate feedback.

While the bill had bipartisan support, it also had bipartisan opposition. They argued it would empower the Texas Education Agency, which administers the test, to have more oversight of districts, and possibly lead to more state-level interventions into school districts, like in Fort Worth and Houston.

Higher Penalties For Breaking Quorum

When dozens of Texas Democrats broke quorum during the first special session over the redistricting bill, Republicans vowed there would be consequences. Now, those repercussions are taking hold. House Bill 18 creates more penalties for breaking quorum like steeper fines, new limits on funds they raise during the break, and loss of seniority and committee posts.

In January, two bills will go into effect after voters approved them in the November constitutional election.

Personal Property Taxes

House Bill 9 exempts up to $125,000 of businesses’ inventory from municipalities. That’s a mega increase from the current $2,500 and under. It may be a win for small businesses but not for cities, counties and school districts, which will lose an estimated $442 million in 2027. Opponents noted that it could jack up fees, permits, or even lead to raised taxes.

Cooperation With ICE

Senate Bill 8 requires sheriffs in counties that operate a jail to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The main program is what’s known as the so-called 287(g) program, which a handful of counties voluntarily joined. They can also apply for grants to assist their participation. More on the 287(g) program and how it impacts Texas can be found here.