Several new Texas laws take effect January first, with direct impacts on rural communities, county governments, schools, and small businesses.
Small businesses will see tax relief as the business personal property tax exemption increases to one-hundred-twenty-five-thousand dollars, removing many rural businesses from paying property taxes on equipment and inventory.
County sheriffs who operate jails will now be required to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement through the federal 287-G program.
Local governments responding to natural disasters will be allowed to recover cleanup costs, but will face stricter limits on raising property taxes without voter approval.
In energy-producing areas, a new law offers a three-year severance tax exemption to help restart inactive oil and gas wells.
For schools, districts will be prohibited from setting tax rates above voter-approved levels, and starting next school year, high school students must complete a standalone financial literacy course.
Other new laws address artificial intelligence oversight and faster removal of squatters, though some technology rules remain tied up in federal court.
