Big Changes Coming to Texas on September 1: Property Taxes, School Vouchers & More

Texas is about to see big changes. More than 800 new laws will start on September 1. These laws touch almost every part of daily life. Schools, health care, housing, safety, and even land ownership will be affected. Some laws already began earlier this year. Others will not take effect until voters decide in November or even later. But most of them are set to start now. Let’s take a closer look at the most important ones.

The Big State Budget

The biggest law is Senate Bill 1. This sets the state’s spending plan for the next two years. The budget is $338 billion. That is a very large number, but here’s what it means:

• Most of the money, about 70%, goes to education and health care.
• Billions will go to property tax cuts, which may lower the tax bills for homeowners.
• Extra money will be used to improve power, water, and internet services in Texas.

One part of the plan was meant to give $60 million for summer meals for poor children. But Governor Abbott vetoed it. He said the federal rules for matching funds were not clear.

School Voucher Program

Education is one of the hottest topics in Texas. Senate Bill 2 sets up a school voucher program. A voucher lets parents use public money for private school costs.

• Each child will get about $10,000 a year.
• Children with disabilities may get up to $30,000 more.
• Even families already sending kids to private schools can take part.

The program will not start until the 2026-27 school year. Supporters say this gives parents more choice. Critics argue it will hurt public schools by taking money away.

More Money for Public Schools

Public schools will also get help. House Bill 2 provides $8.5 billion in new funds. This includes:

• $4 billion to raise teacher pay.
• Money for special education and training new teachers.
• Funds for school safety and early learning.

Some parts of this law already began, but more will take effect now.

Ten Commandments in Classrooms

Senate Bill 10 requires posters of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. These posters must be at least 16 by 20 inches. Supporters say it shows history and values. Critics say it violates the separation of church and state. A federal judge has already blocked the rule in some schools. The case may go all the way to the Supreme Court.

Diversity and Inclusion Ban

Senate Bill 12 bans schools from using race, gender, or identity in hiring decisions. It also blocks lessons and clubs that deal with sexual orientation or gender identity. Backers say this gives parents more control. Opponents say it targets LGBTQ students and limits free speech. Civil rights groups, like the ACLU, are challenging the law in court.

Control Over School Libraries

Books in school libraries are also under new rules. Senate Bill 13 lets parents and school boards decide what is allowed.

• If 50 parents in a district sign a petition, they can form a council to review library books.
• Supporters say this protects children.
• Critics say it censors books, especially those about race or gender.

Texas has already been one of the top states for book bans. This law may increase that trend.

Changes in Universities

Senate Bill 37 changes how public universities are run. Regents, who are political appointees, will now have more control. They can influence hiring and make sure schools follow state laws. Supporters say this reduces bias and helps align schools with job needs. Critics worry it will limit research and academic freedom.

School Safety and Police Training

After the Uvalde school shooting, lawmakers wanted stronger safety plans. House Bill 33 requires:

• Police and schools to meet every year to review safety plans.
• Training for police and emergency workers on how to handle school shootings.
• Reports after every incident, so the public knows what happened.

This law is meant to prevent mistakes and save lives in the future.

Water Projects and Drought Planning

Texas also faces a water crisis. Senate Bill 7 sets up a Texas Water Fund. If voters approve in November, $1 billion each year will go to water projects between 2027 and 2047. This could help build reservoirs, repair pipes, and prepare for future droughts.

Housing and Smaller Lots

Housing prices have been rising fast. Senate Bill 15 allows smaller single-family homes on lots as small as 3,000 square feet in large cities. Before, many cities required at least 5,000 to 7,500 square feet. Supporters say this will create more affordable homes. Critics say the state should not override local rules.

Land Ownership Limits

Senate Bill 17 bans people and companies from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from buying land in Texas. The governor can also add more countries later. Supporters say it protects national security. Critics say it may lead to racial profiling of Asian communities.

Ban on Abortion Travel Funds

Senate Bill 33 stops cities and counties from paying for abortion-related travel. Austin and San Antonio had tried to fund such programs before, but lawsuits blocked them. This new law makes those efforts illegal.

Expansion of Medical Marijuana

Texas will now allow more patients to use medical marijuana. House Bill 46 includes:

• Patients with chronic pain, brain injuries, or Crohn’s disease.
• Doctors can prescribe inhaled forms like vapes.

This is still limited compared to other states, but it expands access for many patients.

Defining Man and Woman

House Bill 229 defines man and woman only by biological sex. All state records must use this definition. Supporters say this protects women’s rights. Critics say it erases transgender people from official recognition. Texas has one of the largest trans communities in the country, so this law affects many lives.

Trey’s Law

Senate Bill 835 is also known as Trey’s Law. It bans nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) in sexual assault and trafficking cases. The law is named after Trey Carlock, who was abused as a child and forced to sign an NDA. He later died by suicide. His family pushed for this law to stop such agreements in the future.

Why These Laws Matter

These new laws show the wide range of issues Texas is facing. From education and safety to housing and healthcare, lawmakers are reshaping daily life. Some laws will bring relief, like more school funding or expanded medical marijuana. Others are deeply divisive, such as the voucher program, abortion travel ban, and limits on diversity policies.

Texans will likely see lawsuits, debates, and even ballot fights over these laws in the months ahead. What happens here could also influence other states, since Texas often sets trends in politics and policy.

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Source: TexasTribune.org