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Texas Rolls Out Dozens of New Laws Jan. 1, From ICE‑Sheriff Cooperation to Faster Evictions

The package reshapes immigration, housing, taxes, technology, insurance and state oversight.

Overview

  • Senate Bill 8 compels sheriffs in counties with jails to enter 287(g) agreements with ICE starting Jan. 1, with state grants available and potential attorney general enforcement for noncompliance.
  • Senate Bill 38 accelerates cases against unauthorized occupants by requiring justice‑court hearings within 10 to 21 days and by limiting judges to occupancy questions rather than title disputes or counterclaims.
  • House Bill 9 raises the business inventory property‑tax exemption to $125,000 after voter approval of a constitutional amendment, with analysts projecting sizable local‑revenue reductions absent rate changes.
  • House Bill 149 establishes a statewide AI framework that restricts harmful or discriminatory uses, requires disclosures in specified contexts and creates the Texas Artificial Intelligence Council.
  • Senate Bill 2420, which would have required app platforms to verify user ages and obtain parental consent for minors, is blocked by a federal court on First Amendment grounds as the state prepares an appeal.