As 2025 approaches, several new laws will take effect in Texas, bringing notable changes like the elimination of non-commercial vehicle safety inspections and strengthened privacy protections allowing consumers to decline data collection. Here’s a closer look at how these changes will impact Texans:
HB 3297: Ending Non-Commercial Vehicle Safety Inspections
Starting January 1, 2025, Texas will no longer require safety inspections for non-commercial vehicles. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), drivers will pay a $7.50 inspection program replacement fee when registering their vehicles instead of undergoing the inspection process.
For newly purchased vehicles that have never been registered in Texas or another state, owners will pay a $16.75 replacement fee for the first two years.
DPS clarified that the replacement fee does not increase registration costs but compensates for state programs previously funded by inspection revenues, such as highway construction and expansion.
While safety inspections are ending for non-commercial vehicles, emissions testing remains mandatory in specific counties for certain vehicles. Counties requiring these tests include Brazoria, Collin, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Ellis, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis, and Williamson. Bexar County will join the list in 2026. Vehicles exempt from emissions testing, such as electric-only cars, will maintain their exemption.
B 4: Enhanced Privacy Protections
Effective January 1, 2025, consumers will have greater control over their personal data. Under this law, individuals can designate tools or agents—such as browser settings or device preferences—to automatically opt out of data collection.
Businesses must honor such requests if they verify the consumer’s identity and the agent’s authority. However, they can decline unclear or unverifiable requests, or if similar laws are not enforced in other states.
SB 2: Property Tax Relief
This sweeping property tax reduction law, passed during the 2023 special legislative session, includes provisions taking effect on January 1, 2025. Key changes include:
Section 3.05: School districts will receive additional state aid to offset property tax revenue losses for senior and disabled homeowners.
Section 3.08: The Texas Education Agency will publish the highest compressed tax rates for school districts from the current and previous fiscal years.
Section 3.15(b): Expired tax breaks will be formally removed.
HB 1535: San Antonio River Authority’s Fiscal Year
Following recommendations from the Sunset Advisory Commission, this law updates the governance of the San Antonio River Authority. As of January 1, 2025, the district’s fiscal year will end on September 30 annually.
HB 3474: A New Judicial District for Texas
This law establishes the 477th Judicial District in Denton County, effective January 1, 2025. A separate provision creating Kendall County’s 498th Judicial District will take effect on October 1, 2025.
HB 4504: Streamlining Criminal Procedures
Part of an ongoing effort to refine Texas legal statutes, this law introduces technical adjustments to the Code of Criminal Procedure. It addresses police responsibilities, trial venues, case transfers, local court procedures, and expungement processes, ensuring smoother legal operations without altering substantive laws.
These upcoming changes reflect Texas’ evolving policies, addressing key areas like transportation, privacy, taxation, and judicial procedures.
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