The start of the new year always brings with it changes. Many begin paths to achieving various goals for themselves, and that is not just specific to citizen's. The new year in 2025 is also bringing some changes to state laws here in Texas.
These laws were all passed during the last Legislative Session, with some delay to them as logistics had to be put in order. While many of them will not have an impact on your day-to-day life, there are a few which will.
One of the first, which is not the biggest but maybe the most satisfying, is the elimination of vehicle inspections to get your car registered. However, Attorney Jeremy Rosenthal says there is a small catch to that.
"You do however have to get an emissions test if you are in certain counties...in Houston, those include Harris, Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston and Montgomery Counties," he says.
Drivers will also have to pay a $7.50 inspection program replacement fee, which is paid when you complete your registration.
Beyond that, there is another law going into effect that takes a good step toward online privacy. The Texas Data Privacy and Security Act will focus on data privacy regulations, which will enhance protections for Texans personal information. Most of that law began in July 2024, but a key provision kicks in on January 1st, which requires businesses to honor unified opt-out mechanisms for online data processing.
But maybe the biggest one, which was subject of much debate in Austin, is the property tax relief bill. That one is part of a broad initiative which focuses on adjustments to the system. In short, they aim to streamline appraisal limitations and tax administration, reducing burdens and ensuring predictable tax rates.
"If your property is appraised at 10 percent or higher, your property will be capped out, and you will see some relief at that point," says Rosenthal.
But there is a problem there. Many people have seen their appraisals up almost 20 percent for virtually nothing. This aims to keep that under control.
"You have municipalities and schools fighting over this revenue...but you also have the taxpayers saying these are unnecessary...so they compromised and put in a 10 percent circuit breaker if you are residential," he says.
Other laws going into effect include one regarding the San Antonio River Authority, changing their governance. Another introduced changes to the state judicial system, notable establishing a Judicial District in Denton County.
Finally, there is the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Revision, which will reorganize and clarify some provisions without changing the legal meaning. IN short, it is a way to make things more understandable without changing the language.
All of these laws go into effect January 1st. The new Texas Legislative begins as well in January.
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