As the new year approaches, a number of new laws will take effect in Texas starting on January 1, 2025. Among the most notable changes are the elimination of non-commercial vehicle safety inspections and the introduction of new privacy protections that allow customers to refuse data collection.
One major change, under House Bill 3297, will end the requirement for non-commercial vehicle safety inspections. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced that, beginning January 1, 2025, non-commercial vehicles will no longer need to undergo safety inspections prior to registration.
Instead, drivers will pay a $7.50 inspection program replacement fee when registering their vehicles. Newly purchased vehicles will require an initial $16.75 replacement fee for the first two years.
While safety inspections are no longer required, certain counties will still mandate emissions testing, with different fees depending on the area. Notably, electric vehicles and other exempted vehicles will continue to be free from emissions inspections.
House Bill 4, which takes effect on January 1, 2025, offers consumers greater control over their personal data. The law allows individuals to designate someone or something, like a browser setting, to opt out of having their data processed.
Businesses must comply with these requests if the consumer’s identity is verified, though they can deny requests if certain conditions aren’t met.
In addition, Senate Bill 2, which was passed in 2023, will provide property tax relief starting on January 1, 2025. Key provisions of the bill include changes to tax limitations for elderly or disabled homeowners and additional state funding to offset the loss of property tax revenue for school districts. Other tax-related changes will continue to take effect over the coming years.
Other significant bills going into effect in 2025 include House Bill 1535, which impacts the San Antonio River Authority’s operations, and House Bill 3474, which establishes new judicial districts in Texas, such as the 477th Judicial District in Denton County. Additionally, House Bill 4504 aims to simplify certain criminal procedures.
Texans will experience these legislative changes starting January 1, 2025, impacting everything from vehicle inspections to data privacy and property taxes.
