As the new year arrives, several new Texas laws will take effect in 2025, ushering in significant changes across various sectors, including data privacy, vehicle registration and property tax relief.
These new laws are designed to address concerns and improve the quality of life for residents, streamline processes and provide greater control over personal and financial matters.
Car Safety Inspections
Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, Texans will no longer need state inspections for non-commercial vehicles in order to obtain their registrations. Instead, a $7.50 inspection replacement fee will be paid during registration. For new vehicles (current or prior model year) purchased in Texas and not previously registered, an initial $16.75 fee covers two years.This change comes as a result of House Bill 3291, which eliminates the inspection requirement for non-commercial vehicles.
Although comprehensive safety inspections for non-commercial vehicles are ending, Texans in emissions counties, including Collin County, will still need to complete emissions tests, which is approximately $18.50.
Data Privacy & Security
House Bill 4, also known as the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA), grants Texas residents greater control over their personal data. This law regulates how businesses collect, use, store, sell, share, analyze or process personal data, ensuring that consumers have more rights regarding their information.
Right to know: Consumers have the right to be informed if their personal data is being processed and to access it in a readable format.
Right to correct: Consumers can correct any inaccuracies in their personal data.
Right to delete: Consumers can request the deletion of their personal data.
Right to opt-out: Consumers can opt out of their personal data being used for targeted advertising, sales, or profiling.
Right to be free from retaliation: Consumers are protected from retaliation or discrimination for exercising their rights.
Property Tax Relief
Texas Senate Bill 2, the Property Tax Relief Act, seeks to ease the property tax burden on homeowners by lowering school district tax rates and providing additional state funding to help school districts maintain effective operations.
Several provisions of the bill were previously implemented to amend the property tax system. But, beginning in January, Sections 3.05, 3.08, and 3.15(b) will provide additional federal funding to eligible schools if local property tax revenue fails to cover expenses due to tax limitations, such as those affecting elderly and disabled homeowners.
New Judicial Districts
Texas House Bill 3474 (HB 3474) impacts the judicial branch of the state government by addressing the administration of oaths, service of process and the management of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission. The bill also establishes new judicial districts and clarifies the authority of notaries, which will be authorized to conduct depositions, streamlining legal processes such as signing documents or providing sworn statements.
Section 1.009, which establishes the new 477th Judicial District in Denton County, will take effect on Jan. 1. This change aims to improve access to the justice system for residents, reducing travel time and potentially speeding up case processing.
Don't miss anything Local. Sign up for our free newsletter.
