Texas, January 3, 2026
As of January 1, 2026, Texas has launched several new laws affecting immigration, housing, technology, and business regulations. These legislative measures aim to improve local collaboration, expedite housing processes, and foster economic growth. Entrepreneurs are presented with greater opportunities in an evolving landscape as the new laws support innovation while addressing societal challenges. The changes reflect Texas’ commitment to enhancing its economy and maintaining safety through updated legislation.
New Texas Laws Effective January 1, 2026
As of January 1, 2026, several new laws have taken effect in Texas, impacting areas such as immigration enforcement, housing, technology, and business regulations. These measures signify Texas’ commitment to addressing modern challenges while fostering economic growth. With local entrepreneurs exhibiting resilience and determination in navigating a complex landscape, the opportunity for enhanced economic development is greater than ever.
Reducing red tape and improving legislative frameworks can significantly advance the interests of Texas businesses and residents alike. By examining the implications of these new laws, we can foresee potential benefits for local entrepreneurs and the broader Dallas County economy.
Immigration Enforcement
Senate Bill 8 requires most county jails in Texas to enter into a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This agreement authorizes local law enforcement to assist federal immigration enforcement by serving warrants and inquiring about inmates’ immigration status. This law aims to enhance local collaboration with federal authorities in addressing immigration-related concerns.
Housing and Property
Senate Bill 38 expedites eviction proceedings for unauthorized occupants, commonly referred to as squatters. The law shortens court timelines for these cases, reducing them to an estimated 10 to 21 days, while also limiting procedural delays available to occupants. This alteration may lead to quicker resolutions for property owners, thus encouraging investment in rental properties and aiding housing stability.
Technology and Artificial Intelligence
House Bill 149, known as the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act, establishes a comprehensive framework for regulating artificial intelligence systems. The law mandates transparency from companies utilizing AI, which includes notifying individuals when they interact with an AI system, and creates a state advisory group to oversee implementation and compliance. By encouraging responsible AI usage, Texas aims to uphold ethical standards while promoting innovation in the technology sector.
Business and Taxes
House Bill 9 allows business owners to exempt up to $125,000 in computers, furniture, and other company equipment from their taxes, a significant increase from the previous cap of $2,500. This tax cut, which will cost the state approximately $700 million in general revenue for the current budget cycle, is expected to save businesses an average of $500 per site. The move has the potential to stimulate local economic growth and support the aspirations of Texas entrepreneurs.
Additional Legislation
Senate Bill 2420, known as the App Store Accountability Act, aimed to require age verification and parental consent for minors accessing apps. However, a federal court has temporarily blocked the implementation of this law due to constitutional concerns, leaving its future uncertain. Such legal hurdles illustrate the complexities surrounding technology regulation in the modern digital age.
Senate Bill 20, the “Stopping AI-Generated Child Pornography Act,” introduces new criminal offenses for possessing, promoting, or viewing visual material deemed obscene that pertains to children, regardless of whether it is an actual person or an AI-generated image. This law reflects Texas’ proactive stance on safeguarding minors in the evolving digital landscape.
Conclusion
These new laws reflect Texas’ ongoing efforts to address various societal issues, ranging from immigration enforcement to technology regulation and business development. As the landscape of Texas continues to evolve, the potential for entrepreneurship and innovation remains robust. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and supportive of local businesses to further enhance Dallas’ economic vitality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Senate Bill 8?
Senate Bill 8 requires most county jails in Texas to enter into a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This agreement authorizes local law enforcement to assist federal immigration enforcement by serving warrants and inquiring about inmates’ immigration status.
What does Senate Bill 38 address?
Senate Bill 38 expedites eviction proceedings for unauthorized occupants, commonly known as squatters. The law shortens court timelines for these cases, reducing them to an estimated 10 to 21 days, and limits procedural delays available to occupants.
What is the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act?
House Bill 149, known as the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act, establishes a comprehensive framework for regulating artificial intelligence systems. The law requires transparency from companies using AI, including notifying individuals when they are interacting with an AI system, and creates a state advisory group to oversee implementation and compliance.
What does House Bill 9 entail?
House Bill 9 allows business owners to exempt up to $125,000 in computers, furniture, and other company equipment from their taxes, up from the current $2,500 in exemptions. The tax cut will cost the state $700 million in general revenue in the current budget cycle and save businesses an average of $500 per site.
What is Senate Bill 2420?
Senate Bill 2420, known as the App Store Accountability Act, was set to require age verification and parental consent for minors downloading or accessing apps. However, a federal court has temporarily blocked this law before its 2026 effective date due to constitutional concerns, so its future enforcement remains uncertain.
What does Senate Bill 20 address?
Senate Bill 20, also known as the “Stopping AI-Generated Child Pornography Act,” creates new criminal offenses for those who possess, promote, or view visual material deemed obscene, which is said to depict a child, whether it is an actual person, animated or cartoon depiction, or an image of someone created through computer software or artificial intelligence.
Key Features of New Texas Laws Effective January 1, 2026
| Law | Area Affected | Key Provisions |
|---|---|---|
| Senate Bill 8 | Immigration Enforcement | Requires county jails to enter into 287(g) agreements with ICE, authorizing local law enforcement to assist federal immigration enforcement. |
| Senate Bill 38 | Housing and Property | Expedites eviction proceedings for unauthorized occupants, reducing court timelines to 10-21 days. |
| House Bill 149 | Technology and Artificial Intelligence | Establishes a framework for regulating AI systems, requiring transparency and creating a state advisory group. |
| House Bill 9 | Business and Taxes | Allows business owners to exempt up to $125,000 in equipment from taxes, up from $2,500. |
| Senate Bill 2420 | Technology | Set to require age verification and parental consent for minors accessing apps; temporarily blocked by federal court. |
| Senate Bill 20 | Criminal Law | Creates offenses for possessing, promoting, or viewing obscene material depicting a child, including AI-generated images. |
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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
