Key Texas Laws Taking Effect in 2025: What Austin Residents Should Know

People in Austin will soon be affected by a number of essential rules that were passed by the Texas Legislature in 2023. The changes that will take effect on January 1, 2025, are meant to solve significant problems across the state. They include lowering property taxes and protecting data privacy.

1. Property Tax Relief Act

Senate Bill 2 will help Austin homeowners whose property taxes are going up. Starting in 2025, new rules will give federal money to schools if local property tax income isn't enough, which will help disabled and elderly people.

2. Texas Data Privacy and Security Act

The Texas Data Privacy & Security Act (House Bill 4) makes sure that personal information is safe. Now, businesses have to respect "opt-out" requests, which let people stop targeted ads and data sales. Not following the rules could lead to fines.

3. Changes to Vehicle Inspections

Under House Bill 3297, noncommercial cars will no longer need to be inspected once a year. Instead, there will be a $7.50 fee to sign up. In some areas, emissions tests will still be required, but the change makes it easier for many people to register their cars.

4.  Fiscal Year Shift for San Antonio River Authority

Even though House Bill 1535 mainly affects San Antonio, it could be used as an example by other Austin agencies as part of the state

5. Judicial System Overhaul

The legal community in Austin will indirectly benefit from changes to the state's courts, such as the creation of new judicial districts (House Bill 3474) and more precise criminal process laws (House Bill 4505).

‍

The goal of these changes to the law is to make government and quality of life better for Texans. This will have a significant effect on people who live in Austin.

‍