Several new laws passed during the 89th Regular Legislative Session are now in effect across Texas, following their implementation on September 1. Governor Greg Abbott worked closely with members of the House and Senate to advance these legislative priorities.
“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.”
Among the key laws taking effect is Senate Bill 2, which establishes an Education Savings Account program. This initiative allows eligible students to use funding for preapproved educational providers and services such as private school tuition and instructional materials. The program has $1 billion allocated for its first year.
House Bill 2 introduces $8.5 billion in new public education funding along with $4 billion dedicated to pay raises for teachers and staff. Career training opportunities have been expanded through House Bill 120 by aligning high school and technical college programs with workforce needs in trades like welding and plumbing.
Senate Bill 10 requires that the Ten Commandments be displayed in every public elementary and secondary school classroom starting with the 2025–2026 school year.
The Parents’ Bill of Rights (Senate Bill 12) bans DEI hiring practices in K-12 schools, makes sex education opt-in only, prohibits certain gender-related instruction, enforces biological sex participation in sports, protects parental authority over children’s upbringing and medical decisions, and emphasizes core subjects in curricula.
Parental oversight over school libraries is increased under Senate Bill 13 by requiring parent-led advisory councils.
On abortion policy, Senate Bill 33 prevents state entities from supporting or contracting with abortion providers or those who assist individuals seeking abortions.
Bail reform comes via Senate Bill 9 by giving prosecutors more power to appeal bail decisions involving serious crimes or repeat offenders; it also limits changes to bail conditions set by elected judges.
Cybersecurity measures are addressed through House Bill 150 with the creation of Texas Cyber Command based in San Antonio to respond to cyber threats.
New rules affecting foreign relations include House Bill 128 prohibiting sister-city agreements with foreign adversaries while promoting them with U.S. allies; Senate Bill 17 blocks designated countries or organizations from acquiring real estate in Texas; Senate Bill 1333 gives law enforcement more authority against unlawful property occupation; and Senate Bill 1349 creates criminal penalties for transnational repression along with mandatory law enforcement training on this issue.
Water infrastructure receives attention under Senate Bill 7 by expanding project funding responsibilities for the Texas Water Development Board.
Efforts against human trafficking are strengthened through House Bill 2306—removing parole eligibility for traffickers when victims are children or disabled—and Senate Bill 1212 which increases penalties for trafficking offenses.
Veterans’ support includes measures such as establishing a contact database (Senate Bill 1814), provisional licensing recognition for out-of-state military credentials (Senate Bill 1818), and consolidating veteran program responsibilities under House Bill 114.
Election integrity provisions appear in House Bill 5115 by making certain voting offenses second-degree felonies.
Governor Abbott emphasized that these reforms represent long-term benefits for families, students, small businesses, and communities throughout Texas.
