Starting January 1, 2026, Texas will implement several new laws affecting a wide range of areas including technology, law enforcement, and housing. Key among these is Senate Bill 8, which mandates all Texas sheriffs to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to identify and serve federal warrants to undocumented immigrants in local jails. The App Store Accountability Act introduces strict age verification measures to prevent minors from downloading apps or making in-app purchases without parental consent. Additionally, House Bill 149 broadly defines artificial intelligence (AI), restricts misuse of biometric data, requires transparency when consumers interact with AI, and bans AI applications that promote self-harm, crime, discrimination, or harmful content. It also establishes a statewide AI regulatory sandbox and creates the Texas Artificial Intelligence Council to guide AI policy.

Senate Bill 38 targets squatters by streamlining eviction processes, making it easier and faster for landlords to remove non-paying tenants, while also reducing the time renters have to respond to eviction notices. These laws reflect Texas’s efforts to address contemporary issues such as immigration enforcement, digital safety for minors, ethical AI use, and housing stability. For a comprehensive list of all new laws taking effect, Texas residents can refer to official legislative reports from the regular and special sessions.