Starting January 1, 2026, Texas implemented 33 new laws, adding to the 800 laws enacted in September 2025. Key legislation includes Senate Bill 8, which mandates Texas counties with jails to cooperate with ICE for immigration enforcement, funded by state grants. House Bill 8 replaces the STARR standardized test with three shorter tests administered throughout the school year beginning Fall 2026. House Bill 9 raises the property tax exemption on business inventory and equipment from $2,500 to $125,000, a measure approved by voters. Senate Bill 38 accelerates eviction processes for squatters by standardizing notice delivery and shortening trial timelines to 10-21 days.

Other notable laws include House Bill 149, the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act, which regulates AI systems, bans biometric identification without consent, and empowers the Attorney General to enforce penalties. Senate Bill 2420, the App Store Accountability Act, requires age verification and parental consent for minors downloading apps or making in-app purchases, though its enforcement is currently paused due to a preliminary injunction. The article also references unusual existing Texas laws and commonly broken laws in the state, highlighting the diverse and evolving legal landscape.