On September 1, 2025, more than 800 new laws will be enacted in Texas.
Here are 8 new laws that have been getting a lot attention.
Move Over/Slow Down Law Expanded
Texas drivers should already know to slow down and move over a lane when it comes to passing an emergency vehicle stopped on the side of the road.
Senate Bill 305 adds other vehicles to that list including tow trucks, garbage trucks, TxDOT trucks, animal control officers/vehicles, and parking enforcement vehicles.
Anyone ticketed for a violation could face a fine ranging from $500 to $1250.
School Vouchers
This highly divisive bill (Senate Bill 2) earmarks taxpayer funds to be used for private schooling. House Bill 2 provides substantial funding increases for public schools.
SNAP Restrictions Extended
Senate Bill 379 expands the list of items that are forbidden to purchase using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Candy, cookies, energy drinks, sweetened drinks, carbonated drinks, and certain snacks are not allowed to be purchased with SNAP benefits.
Property Taxation
Senate Bill 4 raises the homestead exemption for all homeowners from $100,000 to $140,000. Senate Bill 23 increases the homestead exemption to $200,000 for those who are aged 65 and above or disabled.
Cell Phones in Schools
This bill received a lot of publicity over the summer. House Bill 1481 directs that cell phones, smart watches and other communication devices are banned starting this school year.
Many school districts already had rules in place concerning possession and usage of cell phones, but the new legislation put new focus on this. The enforcement of this will be down to individual school districts.
Bad Behavior By Sports Spectators Addressed
Consider yourself warned, if you attend a UIL sporting event, behave yourself.
Texas Senate Bill 2929 allows officials at school extracurricular events to eject a spectator for inappropriate behavior without a prior verbal warning. This legislation, went into effect for the 2025-2026 school year and grants referees, judges, and other officials more authority to remove disorderly spectators from sporting events.
LGBTQ Rights
House Bill 229 defines “man” and “woman” based on reproductive organs that will be used for state records…