The first day of the year marks a new beginning. It also means new laws, many of which were approved in the 88th Legislative Session and will go into effect on Jan. 1. The new laws usher in the end of safety inspections for non-commercial vehicles and new data protections, among other changes.
The Texas Legislature meets every two years in odd years for 140 days to vote on proposed bills. In the last session, in 2023, more than 1,000 bills were approved for immediate effect. Other stragglers were enforced in 2024, and the final few become laws this new year. The 89th legislative session will begin Jan. 14 and end June 2. This year, a record 1,500 bills were pre-filed on the first day.
Last session, lawmakers cast votes on 11,807 bills. Here are the ones becoming laws on the first day of 2025.
More Data Protections
House Bill 4, drafted by Rep. Giovanni Capriglione of Southlake, offers data protections against companies. The law provides safeguards for “personal and sensitive information” that is collected, stored or sold by companies. Personal information is defined as content that can be directly traced to an individual and is not already publicly available. Sensitive information relates to an individual’s sexuality, ethnicity, religion, genetic and health information and other private matters.
In essence, the law requires large companies to disclose their data collection methods and uses, and allows consumers to opt out of data collection and sale for targeted ads and profiling. It also allows consumers to delete or correct any personal information collected. Some organizations are exempt, such as state government agencies, nonprofits, higher education institutions and small businesses.
No More Vehicle Inspections
This year, Texas will join 13 other states that do not require annual safety inspections. House Bill 3297, introduced by Republican Rep. Cody Harris of Palestine, aims to save drivers time and money by putting the responsibility for maintaining their vehicles in their hands. Previously, driving without a valid inspection sticker would result in a misdemeanor charge and a fine of up to $200. Renewing a yearly inspection used to cost $40 for the inspection, $7 for the state inspection fee and an afternoon in an auto shop waiting room. Now, Texans will pay $7.50 for an Inspection Program Replacement Fee. Drivers will be wholly responsible for their brakes, lights and tires. And police officers will still be ticketing for faulty equipment, so keep your tail lights on and your windshields intact.
Reintroducing Emissions Tests
Part of the comprehensive safety inspection that becomes optional in 2025 is an emissions test for gas-powered vehicles between 2 and 24 years old. An emissions test measures the amount of pollutants and greenhouse gases emitted by a vehicle. Standards for emissions were established in 1994 by the Environmental Protection Agency. Eradicating state inspections also eliminated required emissions tests, but certain counties have reintroduced mandated emissions testing, including Dallas County. Other counties working to improve the air quality in North Texas by monitoring vehicle emissions are Collin, Denton, Ellis and Tarrant counties. Dallas has been working on the issue since 2018, when it launched the Breathe Easy Dallas program. In 2023, the city installed 40 air quality monitors as part of the program. Put “improving the air quality” on North Texas’ New Year’s resolutions list.
A New Judicial District
House Bill 3474, drafted by Republican Rep. Jeff Leach of Plano, establishes the 477th judicial district to cover Denton County. Denton has been expanding its judicial structure for many years, including construction of a new courthouse and the addition of another grand jury.
