Houston Daily

Several new Texas laws are taking effect on September 1, following the 89th Regular Legislative Session. Governor Greg Abbott marked the implementation of these bills, which cover areas such as education, public safety, and veterans' support.

“This session will be remembered as one of the most consequential in Texas history,” said Governor Abbott. “We made bold promises to the people of Texas—to secure the border and keep Texans safe, to defend freedom, life and property rights, and to ensure every child has access to a great education. And we delivered. Today, Texans will realize the results of many of these promises. The laws we passed reflect our values: safer communities, stronger schools, and a future built on freedom, faith, and hard work.”

Key legislation now in force includes Senate Bill 2 establishing an Education Savings Account program that allows eligible students to use state funds for private school tuition or educational services. The program launches with $1 billion for the 2026-2027 school year.

House Bill 2 provides increased funding for public schools with $8.5 billion allocated for general funding and $4 billion directed at teacher and staff pay raises.

Career training opportunities are expanded under House Bill 120 by aligning high school and technical college programs with workforce needs in trades like welding and plumbing.

Other measures impacting schools include Senate Bill 10 requiring display of the Ten Commandments in all public classrooms beginning with the 2025–2026 school year; Senate Bill 12 strengthening parental rights regarding curriculum content; and Senate Bill 13 increasing parental oversight over school libraries.

Senate Bill 33 restricts Texas governmental entities from supporting abortion providers or related organizations.

On criminal justice issues, Senate Bill 9 allows prosecutors to appeal bail decisions involving serious crimes or repeat offenders while ensuring only elected judges may alter bail set by another elected judge.

The newly created Texas Cyber Command agency is established through House Bill 150 in San Antonio to address cyber threats statewide.

House Bill 128 prevents local governments from entering sister-city agreements with foreign adversaries but supports relationships with U.S. allies. Senate Bill 17 prohibits certain countries or organizations from acquiring real property in Texas.

Additional public safety measures include empowering law enforcement to act against squatters (Senate Bill 1333), addressing transnational repression (Senate Bill 1349), and updating penalties related to criminal trespass.

Water infrastructure investment is addressed by Senate Bill 7 through expanded responsibilities for the Texas Water Development Board regarding water supply projects; funding for these initiatives will be decided by voters through House Joint Resolution 7 in November.

Human trafficking penalties have been increased: House Bill 2306 removes parole eligibility for those convicted when victims are children or disabled individuals; Senate Bill 1212 increases penalties for human trafficking offenses.

For veterans, several bills improve access to resources: Senate Bill 1814 creates a database connecting former service members with state resources; Senate Bill 1818 speeds up licensing recognition for military families moving into Texas; House Bill 114 consolidates veteran program responsibilities within the Texas Veterans Commission.

Election integrity is addressed by House Bill 5115 which makes counting invalid votes or refusing valid ones an election fraud offense subject to enhanced penalties.

“These reforms represent not just legislative victories, but long-term wins for Texas families, students, small business owners, and communities across the state,” Governor Abbott said.