Hundreds of new Texas laws officially took effect Monday, Sept. 1, following the 89th Regular Legislative Session. Governor Greg Abbott called the session “one of the most consequential in Texas history,” saying the measures reflect promises to strengthen education, secure communities, and expand personal freedoms.
“This session will be remembered as one of the most consequential in Texas history,” Abbott said in a written statement. “We made bold promises to the people of Texas—to secure the border and keep Texans safe, to defend freedom, life and property rights, and to ensure every child has access to a great education. And we delivered. Today, Texans will realize the results of many of these promises. The laws we passed reflect our values: safer communities, stronger schools, and a future built on freedom, faith, and hard work.”
The new laws touch nearly every aspect of Texas life, from classrooms and courtrooms to property rights and water planning. Supporters see them as a major step forward, while critics warn of unintended consequences.
Of all the new laws, Senate Bill 2, also known as the School Choice bill, has generated the most controversy. The bill establishes an Education Savings Account and will allow parents to use about $10,000 of state funds for private school tuition, instructional materials, and therapies.
Supporters argue that it gives families more control and creates competition that will push public schools to improve. Opponents counter that it diverts money away from public education, particularly in rural areas where private schools are limited. Teacher groups also warn it could deepen inequalities by shifting resources to families who already have the means to choose alternatives.
While the school voucher program goes into effect on Sept. 1, 2025, the program is not expected to launch until late 2026.
Other education measures expand career training in high schools, mandate the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, and create a “Parents’ Bill of Rights.”
Senate Bill 12, also known as the Parents’ Bill of Rights, strengthens parental authority in schools. It bans diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) hiring and training; makes sex education programs “opt in” rather than automatic; and prohibits what lawmakers described as harmful gender ideology in K–12 classrooms. The bill also enforces participation in sports based on biological sex — referred to by supporters as a “No boys in girls’ sports” provision. In addition, it affirms parents’ rights in directing their children’s upbringing and medical decisions and requires schools to refocus curriculum on core subjects and the nation’s founding documents.
Criminal Justice
Senate Bill 9 makes changes to bail, giving prosecutors more power to challenge decisions in serious cases. Advocates argue it keeps violent offenders in custody; opponents say it could unfairly affect low-income defendants. This bill also ensures only elected judges may reduce the amount or conditions of a bail set by an elected judge.
Property rights also get new protections. Senate Bill 1333 allows faster removal of squatters and increases penalties for real estate fraud, a move welcomed by property owners.
Here is a look at other new bills highlighted by Governor Abbott:
Protecting Life
- Senate Bill 33 prohibits Texas governmental entities from financially or logistically supporting abortions, including entering into contracts with abortion providers or with entities that assist individuals in obtaining abortions.
Texas Cyber Command
- House Bill 150 creates the Texas Cyber Command, a purpose-built agency in San Antonio whose mission is to defend, respond, and recover from cyber threats.
Public Safety & Security
- House Bill 128 prohibits sister-city agreements between governmental entities and foreign adversaries while promoting agreements with allies of the United States.
- Senate Bill 17 prohibits certain countries, individuals, and organizations, including designated transnational criminal organizations, from acquiring real property in Texas.
- Senate Bill 1333 empowers sheriffs and constables to take action quickly when a property owner submits a sworn complaint that a squatter has taken possession of their property unlawfully. It also increases criminal penalties for criminal mischief related to criminal trespass involving a home and engaging in a real estate transaction involving property the person does not have a legal interest in.
- Senate Bill 1349 creates a criminal offense for transnational repression and requires a new training program for law enforcement on the matter.
Water Infrastructure Investment
- Senate Bill 7 assigns the Texas Water Development Board with the responsibility to coordinate water supply conveyance, expands the uses of the New Water Supply for Texas Fund, and dedicates funding in House Joint Resolution 7 (which is put before voters to approve in November) to finance water supply and infrastructure projects.
Combating Human Trafficking
- House Bill 2306 eliminates parole for a defendant convicted of trafficking a persons in all cases when the victim is a child or a disabled individual.
- Senate Bill 1212 enhances the ability to prosecute and more effectively punish defendants for human trafficking. This bill also increases the penalty for any conduct constituting the offense of trafficking of a persons to a first-degree felony.
Supporting Veterans
- Senate Bill 1814 instructs the Texas Veterans Commission to establish and maintain an electronic database of contact information for service members leaving active duty who give consent. The database will allow state agencies and veteran organizations to access the information with the intent to provide individuals within the database with resources to veterans.
- Senate Bill 1818 requires Texas licensing agencies immediately issue a provisional license recognizing the out-of-state licenses of military service members, veterans, and military spouses.
- House Bill 114 consolidates responsibility of several veteran related programs from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to the Texas Veterans Commission.
Election Integrity
- House Bill 5115 makes counting invalid votes or refusing to count valid votes an election fraud offense and enhances the offense of all election fraud to a second-degree felony, protecting election integrity.