Texas start December with a Set of rules that initiates profound changes in sensitive areas such as public education, safety, reproductive rights and access to certain public spaces. Starting this Thursday the 4th, several provisions passed during the second special session of the legislative session will come into force simultaneously after being approved and signed by the Governor. Greg Abbott in September.
The law made a legal structure that prevents manufacturing and distribution of these medications in and out of Texaswhich allows private individuals to file civil lawsuits against those who interfere with this process.
The text also contained provisions on state jurisdiction, the effects of decisions made in other jurisdictions and safeguards against contrary decisions from other states.
Among the most notable powers was the approval of model claims Qui tamThe expanded the ability for people, whether or not related to the pregnancy, to initiate litigation. The project sponsors explained that this model closes legal loopholes and strengthens fetal protection, while critical voices were raised The Texas Tribune— pointed out that it turned citizens into “bounty hunters” and expanded the scope of the abortion ban beyond Texas’ borders.
Also signed on September 17, 2025, HB 8 a profound reform of the system of academic accountability and transparency in public schools.
Most of its articles will come into force on December 4th a certain part has been postponed to September 2026.
The law restructures this Model for measuring student performancea new program was added shorter assessments, spread throughout the year and redefined the indicators that influence institutional ratings.
The norm rephrases what is known STAAR test and divides it into three shorter tests. The aim is to reduce the pressure on students and to avoid overloading teaching time by exclusively preparing for exams.
HB 18, signed September 17, 2025, also takes effect December 4. It focuses on restrict the raising of political funds and the execution of certain campaign expenditures by legislatures and certain committees during times when a member is absent from a meeting and with this deficiency the quorum is broken.
The law provides for civil penalties to prevent this The parties use the strategic retreat as Printing toola practice that became relevant in the aftermath of 2021 and in the exodus of Democratic representatives during the redistricting disputes before this special session.
HB 26 was signed into law on September 17, 2025 and will take effect on December 4. It contains changes related to the Possibility that the sheriffs and constables of certain counties —including Harris County— Enter into agreements with neighborhood associations, school districts and public service organizations for Increase surveillance without the approval of the district commissioner’s court being required.
The initiative came about as Responding to local tensions over the deputy agent contracting programa program that allowed for the addition of additional patrols with funding from interested organizations or communities. Supporters argued that the rules preserved a popular model among residents and facilities seeking to increase police presence.
Passed in the second special session and signed on September 22, 2025, SB 8 takes effect on December 4. Due to its importance, this is one of the most controversial initiatives in the legislative package Impact on trans people.
The law requires this access Bathrooms, changing rooms and areas classified as “private rooms”. in public buildings – including government offices, schools, state universities, prisons and jails – determined by the gender assigned at birth.
The provision also prohibited those assigned male at birth from using shelters for female victims of domestic violence unless they are minors and accompanied by a mother receiving support.
For institutions that do not adhere to the norm, Penalties of $25,000 for the first violation and $125,000 for repeat violations.
In his reporting The Texas Tribune He emphasized that the initiative’s defenders argued that the law will protect women’s privacy and safetywhile civil organizations warned that it puts both trans people and cis people, who may be wrongly accused, at risk.
SB 11, signed by Abbott on September 17, 2025 and active since December 4, establishes affirmative defense for victims of human trafficking or sexual exploitation before a court case Crimes committed under duress, fraud or violence from the human traffickers.
The approval came after the governor vetoed an earlier version, deeming it too broad. However, this new edition contained precise limits.
The norm Persons who have committed serious crimes are excluded from this protection as Homicides, sexual assaults, kidnappings, human trafficking of minors or violent robberies. Lawmakers involved in its drafting emphasized that the purpose is to prevent people who are victims of exploitation from being punished for actions that directly result from their situation.
The report from The Texas Tribune He emphasized that the defense The aim was to harmonize victim protection with the need to maintain a fixed criminal law framework for serious crimes.
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