📅 2026 Update: Changes to Texas Laws Affecting Residents

Since the original article was written, several important laws have changed in Texas. These updates impact areas like data privacy, vehicle safety, and handgun licensing. Readers can find the earlier details further down this page for more context.

🛡️ Texas Data Privacy and Security Act

The Texas Data Privacy and Security Act took effect on July 1, 2024. This law enhances rights for consumers regarding their personal data. It aims to give people more control over how their information is collected and used.

🚗 Vehicle Safety Inspections

Starting January 1, 2025, House Bill 3297 eliminates the annual vehicle safety inspection requirement for non-commercial drivers. This change means drivers no longer need to get their vehicles inspected each year as part of the registration process.

🏠 Property Tax Relief Act

The Property Tax Relief Act, effective January 1, 2025, introduces "circuit breaker" provisions. These limit increases in the appraised value of real property not covered by a homestead exemption. This law is designed to provide better protection for property owners against rising taxes.

🔋 Residential Energy Backup Systems

Senate Bill 1252, effective September 1, 2025, prevents municipalities from regulating the installation or inspection of residential energy backup systems. This applies as long as the systems meet certain criteria. This law supports homeowners who want to install backup energy solutions without facing local regulations.

🔫 Handgun Licensing Changes

As of June 20, 2025, House Bill 668 allows for a one-year grace period to renew a handgun license. This aims to make it easier for gun owners to maintain their licenses without facing penalties for late renewals.

📌 Key Updates Summary

  • 🛡️ Data Privacy: New rights for consumers regarding personal data.
  • 🚗 Vehicle Inspections: No more annual inspections for non-commercial drivers.
  • 🏠 Property Tax: Limits on appraised value increases for certain properties.
  • 🔋 Energy Systems: Municipalities cannot regulate backup energy installations.
  • 🔫 Handgun Licensing: One-year grace period for license renewals.

💡 Tips for Understanding Texas Laws

Review the specifics of your situation with an attorney to make informed decisions about your legal needs.

📜 Understand Your Rights

With the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act, know your rights about personal data. You can request information on how your data is used and demand corrections where necessary.

🚗 Stay Informed on Vehicle Laws

Since vehicle safety inspections are no longer required, stay updated on any changes that could affect vehicle registration or other related laws.

🏡 Explore Property Tax Options

If you own property, look into the Property Tax Relief Act. Understanding the circuit breaker limitations can help you manage potential tax increases.

🔋 Know the Regulations for Energy Systems

If considering a residential energy backup system, ensure it meets the required criteria. This will allow you to install without local regulation interference.

🔫 Keep Track of Handgun Licensing

Be aware of the new grace period for handgun license renewals. This can help you avoid lapses in your licensing status.

📚 Use Available Resources

Take advantage of resources from the Texas State Law Library and the Texas Department of Public Safety for guidance on understanding Texas laws and regulations.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❔ What is the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act?

The Texas Data Privacy and Security Act enhances consumer rights regarding personal data. It allows individuals more control over how their information is collected and used.

🚗 Do I still need to get my vehicle inspected annually?

No, as of January 1, 2025, non-commercial drivers no longer need to have annual vehicle safety inspections as part of the registration process.

🏠 How does the Property Tax Relief Act impact homeowners?

The Property Tax Relief Act, effective January 1, 2025, limits increases to the appraised value of certain properties not covered by a homestead exemption.

🔋 What are the rules for residential energy backup systems?

As of September 1, 2025, municipalities cannot regulate the installation or inspection of residential energy backup systems, provided they meet specific criteria.

🔫 What is the new handgun licensing renewal process?

House Bill 668 establishes a one-year grace period for renewing a handgun license, effective June 20, 2025. This means you have more time to renew without facing penalties.

📚 Where can I find help with Texas laws?

The Texas State Law Library and the Texas Department of Public Safety are good resources for understanding and navigating Texas laws.

⚖️ Recent Cases Related to Texas Laws

Several recent court rulings have clarified aspects of Texas laws, especially those that affect consumer rights and property regulations. These rulings help shape how laws are applied and interpreted in the state.

For more recent rulings, feel free to check more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





Disclaimer:

Due to the fact that individual state laws are constantly subject to change, individuals are encouraged to consult an attorney prior to engaging in any activity, action, or event in which the expressed legality may come into question. Furthermore, individuals interested in attaining information with regard to individual state legislature are also encouraged to perform independent research in order to substantiate the relevancy and current state(s) of specific legislation. 

The State Laws of Texas

Texas Abortion Laws

Within the state of Texas, Abortion is defined as the purposeful termination of a pregnancy through procedural means. Subsequent to the decision of Roe v. Wade, abortion became legal within the United States – however, Texas state legislation expresses a variety of stipulations with regard to a legal abortion process:

•    A legal abortion may occur in the event that the protection and preservation of the life of the mother carrying a fetus is compromised as a result of a pregnancy; an abortion can take place in order to save the life of the mother only upon accredited and sanctioned medical review – only a licensed medical doctor will be permitted to both review and perform cases of abortion within the state of Texas

•    An illegal abortion is deemed as an abortion process that occurs in the event that the health and wellbeing of the mother is not in danger; furthermore, an illegal abortion is defined as a procedure that occurs outside of legal, accepted, and authorized medical procedural protocol – in the state of Texas, public funds may be used for abortions only in the case(s) that the life of the mother is in danger

•    Individuals accused of performing illegal abortion procedures can be punished with 5 years to life incarceration; facilities providing abortion services must operate with a license – the failure to do so can result in daily fines ranging from $100 - $500

•    A third-trimester abortion is permissible in the event that the life of the mother is in danger

Texas Common Law Marriage

Common Law Marriage is currently legal in the state of Texas

Texas Marijuana Laws

Within the state of Texas, the possession of Marijuana - or Cannabis products – as well as the acts of growing or distributing marijuana without the expressed permission of the Texas State Government is a punishable, criminal offense. The following penalties are associated with Marijuana within the state of Texas:

Possession of Marijuana Charges

1.    Amount: 0 – 2 ounces

•    Penalty: 180 days’ incarceration

•    Fines: $2,000

•    Classification: Class B Misdemeanor

2.    Amount: 2 – 4 ounces

•    Penalty: 1 years’ incarceration

•    Fines: $4,000

•    Classification: Class A Misdemeanor

3.    Amount: 4 ounces – 1 pound

•    Penalty:  180 days’ to 2 years’ incarceration

•    Fines: $10,000

•    Classification: State Felony

4.    Amount: 1 – 5 pounds

•    Penalty: 180 days’ to 2 years’ incarceration

•    Fines: $10,000

•    Classification: State Felony

5.    Amount: 5 to 50 pounds

•    Penalty: 2 to 10 years’ incarceration

•    Fines: $10,000

•    Classification: 3rd Degree Felony

6.    Amount: 50 – 2,000 pounds

•    Penalty: 2 to 20 years’ incarceration

•    Fines: $10,000

•    Classification: 2nd Degree Felony

7.    Amount: 2,000+ pounds

•    Penalty: 5 to 99 years’ incarceration

•    Fines: $50,000

•    Classification: Felony

Cultivation and/or Intent to Distribute Marijuana

Supplementary Charges include Possession, Sale, and Sale to a minor with regard to Drug Paraphernalia; Marijuana charges may be subject to increase to the proximity to a school zone – sale to a minor may also incur upwards of $10,000 penalties and an additional 2 to 20 years’ incarceration

1.    Amount: less than 1/4th ounce (Gift)

•    Penalty: 180 days’ incarceration

•    Fines: $2,000

•    Classification: Class B Misdemeanor

2.    Amount: less than 1/4th ounce (Sale)

•    Penalty: 180 days’ incarceration

•    Fines: $4,000

•    Classification: Class A Misdemeanor

3.    Amount: 1/4th ounce – 5 pounds

•    Penalty:  180 days’ to 2 years’ incarceration

•    Fines: $10,000

•    Classification: State Felony

4.    Amount: 5 – 50 pounds

•    Penalty: 2 to 20 years’ incarceration

•    Fines: $10,000

•    Classification: 2nd Degree Felony

5.    Amount: 50 – 2,000 pounds

•    Penalty: 5 to 99 years’ incarceration

•    Fines: $10,000

•    Classification: 1stDegree Felony

6.    Amount: 2,000+ pounds

•    Penalty: 10 to 99 years’ incarceration

•    Fines: $100,000

•    Classification: Felony

Medical Marijuana

Within the state of Texas, Medical Marijuana is considered to be illegal both for patient use and cultivation

Texas DWI and DUI Laws

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving while under the influence (DUI) charges exist in the event that an individual ingests illegal drugs, alcohol, or controlled-substances, which may impair their respective ability to safely operate a motor vehicle; the following DUI and DWI laws exist within the state of Texas:

•    Zero tolerance laws exist in the event that an individual below the legal age permissible to consume alcohol is suspected to be unlawfully operating a motor vehicle; within the state of Texas, the Zero Tolerance Blood Alcohol Content Level (BAC) cannot exceed .00%

•    The BAC limit for individuals operating motor vehicles may not reach .08%; this can constitute a DUI or DWI offense

•    In Texas, supplementary penalties may be incurred due to BAC levels exceeding .15%

•    Implied consent is a legal instrument that is employed within the realm of a DUI Arrest that entails a verbal or written contract resulting from the willing participation in a regulated activity, such as the operation of a motor vehicle; within Texas, law enforcement agents are permitted to act in accordance with implied consent laws

•    Upon a third DUI or DWI conviction, an individual is subject to undergo the confiscation of their vehicle 

Texas Gun Laws

A handgun is a firearm whose smaller size is fashioned to be used upon operation by one hand, which typically fire single round ammunition; within the state of Texas, handgun laws are as follows:

•    The sale, ownership, or possession of handguns with regard to convicted felons within 5 years of their release, individuals who have been in long-term care in a mental health facility, and minors without parental consent is illegal in the state of Texas

•    A waiting period for the purchase of a firearm does not currently exist in the state of Texas

•    Current listing or report of forearms considered to be illegal in the state of Texas: Machine guns, automatic weapons, silenced firearms, explosive ammunition, and armor piercing bullets

•    Legal Codes: 46.05(Texas gun laws), 46.03, 46.11(the prohibition of firearms within a school zone)

Texas Adoption Laws

In the state of Texas, an individual who has been deemed as a law-abiding citizen who is of sound mind and moral character is permitted to adopt a child; spouses must agree to adopt in joint fashion:

•    Within the state of Texas, and individual must maintain residence for a period of no less than 6 months

•    Any individual may be adopted; children above the age(s) of 12 must express consent with regard to a potential adoption

•    Within the state of Texas, the Department of Human Services mandates all adoptions

•    The statute of limitations available to challenge an adoption is 6 months’ time subsequent to the adoption

Texas Employment and Labor Laws

•    Within the state of Texas, the minimum wage is $6.25 - $7.25 awarded per hour of labor

•    State Holidays are listed as: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Friday following Thanksgiving, Christmas, Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, Texas Independence Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday, President’s Day, San Jacinto Day, Emancipation Day in Texas, Lyndon Baines Johnson Day, and Election Day

•    Within the state of Texas, an individual’s employ cannot be terminated in the event that they report a violation or hazard taking place with regard to their respective employment – or place of employment

Texas Divorce Laws

Within the state of Texas, a divorce is defined as the termination of a marriage, which can occur upon a decision set forth by one or both partners involved in the marriage:

•    A divorce must be filed subsequent to 60 days residence within the county of Texas; 6 months residency in Texas required

•    ‘No Fault’ divorce does exist on the grounds of lack of supportability due to discord; couple must remain separated for 3 years’ time

•    Adultery and Domestic violence are supplementary grounds for divorce

Texas Death Penalty Laws

Within the state of Texas, Capital Punishment – or the Death Penalty – is legal; however, additional stipulations exist with regard to this procedure:

•    In the event of mental instability authorized by a court or pregnancy, capital punishment is disallowed

•    The minimum age permissible for a capital punishment sentence is 17

•    Within the state of Texas, homicide is considered to be the only crime punishable by death

•    The accepted means of capital punishment is lethal injection

Texas Gambling Laws

Within the state of Texas, Gambling is defined as the purposeful risking of any 

or all assets, property or monies with the intention of gain; a primary stipulation exists that expressed that the individual retains no control of peripheral outcome(s) with regard to any wagers set forth:

•    Horse racing wagering is legal

•    Greyhound racing wagering is legal in the event that the facility obtains no more than 3 licenses

•    Any and all unsanctioned structures and facilities intended to house gambling activity is deemed as illegal in the state of Texas

Texas Child Laws

Within the state of Texas, the following stipulations with regard to child laws and child custody are recognized:

•    Joint custody is permitted

•    The rights implied within grandparental visitation are recognized

•    The wishes of any or all children involves are taken into consideration with regard to a custody decision