On September 1, 2025, over 800 new laws will take effect across Texas, ushering in significant changes in public education, infrastructure investment, abortion policy, and more. Signed during the 88th Legislative Session by Governor Greg Abbott, the laws reflect a wide-ranging conservative agenda and will impact millions of Texans.
Among the most notable changes:
- Education Overhaul:
- Senate Bill 2 establishes a school voucher program, allowing public funds to be used for private school tuition, effective in the 2026–27 school year.
- House Bill 2 allocates $8.5 billion to public schools, including $4 billion for teacher pay raises and school safety initiatives.
- Senate Bill 10 mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms, though a recent court ruling has blocked its enforcement in several districts.
- Senate Bill 12 bans DEI policies and LGBTQ+ programming in K–12 schools.
- Senate Bill 13 gives parents more control over school library content.
- Infrastructure & Housing:
- Senate Bill 7 launches a framework for statewide water projects, pending voter approval in November.
- Senate Bill 15 allows smaller single-family homes on lots as small as 3,000 sq. ft., easing housing development restrictions.
- Senate Bill 1 funds a $338 billion state budget, prioritizing education, healthcare, and energy infrastructure.
- Abortion & Reproductive Policy:
- Senate Bill 33 bans local governments from funding travel for abortions outside Texas.
- Security & Civil Policy:
- Senate Bill 17 bans land ownership by governments and residents from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.
- House Bill 33 improves law enforcement emergency response protocols in schools.
- Senate Bill 835 (“Trey’s Law”) voids NDAs in sexual assault and trafficking cases.
- House Bill 229 legally defines man and woman by biological sex, affecting state records and statistics.
- Medical Cannabis Expansion:
- House Bill 46 adds chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, and brain injuries to qualifying conditions for medical marijuana and allows vape-based delivery.
While some laws have already taken effect or await voter approval, September 1 marks the official launch for most of the legislation passed during the regular session.