New Texas Laws in 2026: From Immigration Changes to Artificial Intelligence Regulation, Here’s What You Need to Know
Publish Date: 2026-01-01 17:11:00
Source Domain: www.travelandtourworld.com
- Texas introduces 33 new state laws in 2026, starting January 1, impacting areas like immigration, education, business, and AI.
- Senate Bill 8 enforces the 287(g) program, requiring county jails to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement agencies, sparking debate on public safety and racial profiling.
- Senate Bill 2420, known as the App Store Accountability Act, faces legal challenges for potentially violating First Amendment protections which suspend its enforcement.
- House Bill 8 replaces the STAAR standardized test with three shorter assessments to ease pressure and improve continuous evaluation in public schools.
- House Bill 9 increases property tax exemptions for small business inventory and equipment, aiding small business owners but potentially reducing local revenues by $442 million in fiscal year 2027.
- House Bill 149 establishes a comprehensive AI regulatory framework, focusing on transparency, accountability, and ethical use of AI in Texas, forming a Texas Artificial Intelligence Council to oversee practices.
