As the new year begins, Texans will experience significant changes in some state laws, including adjustments to car registration processes and online data privacy protections.
Some updates aim to streamline government operations, while others offer residents greater control over their personal information.
Key changes include eliminating mandatory vehicle safety inspections, expanding privacy rights, and adjusting property tax relief for schools, reported Fox 4 KDFW.
One of the most anticipated changes is the removal of mandatory safety inspections for non-commercial vehicles, a move approved by the legislature in 2023.
Starting January 1, drivers will no longer need to complete these inspections, though they will still pay a $7.50 “inspection program replacement fee” during vehicle registration. Emissions inspections remain mandatory in certain counties, including Dallas, Harris, and Travis. Meanwhile, commercial vehicles will continue to undergo safety inspections but are exempt from the replacement fee.
Under updates to the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act, Texans will also gain new tools to safeguard their digital privacy.
Residents can now use browser settings, extensions, or device features to opt out of companies collecting and processing their personal data. This expansion builds on previous protections, giving consumers the ability to prevent targeted advertising, data sales, and profiling based on their information. Companies must make it clear that opting out is the user’s choice, not a default setting.
Another key change is the creation of new judicial districts.
On January 1, the 477th judicial district will open in Denton County, while Edwards, Gillespie, and Kimble counties will share the newly established 499th district. These additions are part of an ongoing effort to ease the caseloads of existing courts and improve judicial efficiency across Texas. More courts are slated to be established later in 2025.
Schools will benefit from updated funding mechanisms to offset revenue losses tied to property tax limitations. Senate Bill 2 allows districts to request additional state funding if their budgets fall short after accounting for local taxes and state allocations. This measure addresses revenue gaps created by caps on tax increases for elderly and disabled homeowners. Additionally, the Texas Education Agency will begin publishing maximum tax rates for districts to ensure transparency in funding calculations.
Revisions to the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure will also take effect, making legal statutes easier to read and organize without altering their meanings. These changes aim to modernize the state’s legal framework, ensuring clarity for legal professionals and the public. Other updates include repeals of expired tax discounts and a new fiscal year-end date for the San Antonio River Authority.
Texans can expect a mix of convenience, enhanced rights, and improved government operations as these laws come into effect. These updates reflect the state’s efforts to address growing population demands and evolving technological challenges. The new measures demonstrate a commitment to balancing innovation with accountability.