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Texas Unveils 800 Laws: Major Changes in Education and Safety

9/3/2025

Center

Texas Law Overhaul

On September 1, Texas implemented over 800 new laws affecting education, healthcare, and public safety.
Notable changes include a school voucher program for private school tuition and a requirement to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms.
Additional laws expand medical cannabis access, increase penalties for crimes, and enhance parental control in education.
Critics warn these laws could harm public education and civil rights; supporters argue they improve parental choice and safety.

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Texas Law Changes

The Texas Lottery Commission has been abolished, with oversight transferred to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Senate Bill 20 aims to combat AI-generated child sexual abuse material, raising concerns about its enforcement.
Repeal of the Texas Dream Act has raised tuition costs for undocumented students at UT Austin.
A community forum in Wimberley will discuss recovery strategies after recent floods.
Federal energy tax credits for home upgrades will expire at the end of 2025.

History

Historical Context

In 1995, Texas enacted the Texas Education Code, initiating significant educational reforms that have since affected over 5 million students. Legislative changes, including a school voucher program introduced in 2013, reflect ongoing debates about educational choice and funding, highlighting tensions between state governance and individual liberties in the context of public education and civil rights.

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Texas Law Overhaul

On September 1, Texas implemented over 800 new laws affecting education, healthcare, and public safety.
Notable changes include a school voucher program for private school tuition and a requirement to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms.
Additional laws expand medical cannabis access, increase penalties for crimes, and enhance parental control in education.
Critics warn these laws could harm public education and civil rights; supporters argue they improve parental choice and safety.

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