New 2026 Texas laws take effect, reshaping immigration, taxes, evictions and AI oversight
New 2026 Texas laws take effect, reshaping immigration, taxes, evictions and AI oversight
Publish Date: 2026-01-01 17:30:00
Source Domain: www.cbsnews.com
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ICE Cooperation Requirement for County Jails: Texas county jails must now cooperate with federal immigration authorities via the 287(g) program, enabling local deputies to enforce federal immigration laws, sparking debates over local responsibilities and costs.
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Business Inventory Tax Exemption Expanded: House Bill 9 exempts up to $125,000 of business personal property, including inventory, from local property taxes to provide tax relief for small businesses.
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Faster Eviction Process for Squatters: Senate Bill 38 shortens timelines for courts to process eviction cases involving squatters, aiming to expedite property regaining but raising concerns over reduced tenant protections.
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Guardrails for Artificial Intelligence: House Bill 149 establishes regulations for the use of AI by state agencies and contractors, focusing on transparency, bias reduction, and accountability to foster innovation while mitigating risks.
