New Texas Laws 2026: The 5 Texans Should Know

With the new year upon us in Texas, we look forward to new challenges, resolutions that we will inevitably break, but most of all, a fresh start. One thing the new year also brings are new laws for the state.

While many of them won't directly impact the majority of Texans, there were more than 1100 new laws signed into effect, there are a few that many of us will be interested in or at least need to know about. Let's take a look at those laws.

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House Bill 30

House Bill 30 is in relation to tax changes when it comes to disasters. A “Disaster Debris Rate” allows them to address costs and repairs following a natural disaster.

It also prevents the local government from temporarily raising property taxes above the voter-approved limit without holding an election. This would happen the year AFTER the natural disaster.

House Bill 149

House Bill 149 is all wrapped around AI in Texas. It will establish a formal framework for the regulation of AI, creating rules and regulations on transparency and consumer protection regarding AI in Texas.

Because of the law, Texas will have one of the most comprehensive regulations in the country regarding AI; however, it directly conflicts with an executive order that President Trump issued.

House Bill 3699

House Bill 3699 deals with unemployment. If you've ever been through it, it can be a bit complicated. This bill changes how it's all handled and will streamline the process.

It will modify the process for both filing and processing all unemployment claims.

Senate Bill 38

Senate Bill 38 deals with mainly with squatters. It creates an adjudication process for any civil court cases that will aim to streamline the process for getting squatters out of residences.

It will maintain the basic process for notice of eviction and appeals, but makes it more friendly for landlords.

Senate Bill 2420

Senate Bill 2420 wraps itself around app store downloads and in-app purchases. This is one of the most controversial laws that will go into effect. This law requires age verification in order to download apps and purchase anything within them.

If the person downloading the app or purchasing anything in it is a minor, it will require parental consent for any of those actions. This piece of legislation is already facing at least two lawsuits, and more could come.