Texas Enters 2026 with New Laws on Immigration, AI, and Property Taxes

Texas Begins 2026 with Sweeping Legal Changes

As the new year begins, Texas has ushered in a wave of new laws that will reshape key areas such as immigration enforcement, artificial intelligence regulation, education, and property taxes. These changes, which took effect on January 1, 2026, reflect the state’s ongoing efforts to address modern challenges while balancing local and federal priorities. Among the most notable updates are stricter immigration enforcement measures, expanded oversight of AI technologies, and significant adjustments to property tax policies.

One of the most impactful laws is Senate Bill 8, which mandates that most Texas counties operating jails must partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the federal 287(g) program. This law authorizes local law enforcement to collaborate with federal authorities within detention facilities, including questioning inmates about their immigration status and serving administrative warants. The move signals a stronger alignment between state and federal immigration efforts, though it has sparked debate over potential civil rights implications.

Another key development is the introduction of House Bill 149, known as the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act. This legislation imposes new restrictions on the development and use of AI systems, prohibiting technologies that could encourage self-harm, criminal activity, discrimination, or unauthorized biometric surveillance. The law also grants enforcement authority to the Texas Attorney General and establishes an advisory group to guide future AI regulations. This marks a significant step in addressing the ethical and societal challenges posed by rapidly advancing AI technologies.

Education and Property Tax Reforms

In the realm of education, House Bill 8 continues Texas’ transition away from the STAAR exam by replacing the single annual test with multiple shorter assessments throughout the school year. This shift aims to reduce testing pressure on students while providing more frequent evaluations of their progress. Full implementation of this new system is expected in the upcoming school year.

Property tax reforms are also a major focus of the new laws. House Bill 30 limits the ability of local governments to raise property taxes beyond approved caps following a natural disaster, unless voters explicitly approve the increase. This measure is designed to prevent abrupt tax hikes in the wake of disasters, providing financial stability for affected communities. Additionally, Senate Bill 2206 introduces tax credits and sales tax changes for research and development expenses, aiming to foster innovation and economic growth.

Other notable changes include House Bill 2742, which allows property owners to split their property tax payments into installments, and Senate Bill 1968, which updates licensing and regulation for certain real estate professionals. These reforms reflect a broader effort to make property tax management more flexible and adaptable to modern economic conditions.

The new laws also address housing and land use, with Senate Bill 38 shortening the time for eviction proceedings involving unauthorized occupants and House Bill 1244 allowing land to retain its open-space tax appraisal after ownership transfers, provided the use remains unchanged. These measures are part of a wider push to streamline property management and support responsible land use practices.

Overall, the 2026 Texas laws represent a comprehensive effort to address contemporary issues while balancing the needs of residents, businesses, and government agencies. As these changes take effect, they are expected to shape the state’s trajectory in areas ranging from immigration and technology to education and property rights.