New Texas Laws Taking Effect January 1, 2026: What Families Should Know
As the new year begins, several Texas laws passed during the most recent legislative session will take effect on January 1, 2026. While many of these laws are not labeled as family law statutes, they still affect families in meaningful ways. Changes involving technology, taxation, education, property rights, and law enforcement can influence divorce planning, custody decisions, child support enforcement, and estate planning strategies.
At the Barrows Firm in Southlake, we help families look beyond headlines to understand how new laws fit into their real lives. January is an ideal time to review existing court orders, financial arrangements, and long-term plans in light of legal changes that shape the year ahead.
Why January 1 Law Changes Matter for Families
January 1 is a common effective date because it aligns with new administrative and fiscal cycles across Texas agencies and courts. Even when a new law does not directly change the Texas Family Code, it can affect how courts operate, how finances are managed, and how families interact with schools, technology, and government systems.
For individuals navigating divorce, custody, or estate planning, these broader changes often influence decisions about housing, finances, parenting plans, and long-term stability.
Immigration Enforcement Agreements and Family Stability
One law taking effect on January 1, 2026, requires Texas sheriffs who operate jails to enter into formal agreements with federal immigration authorities under the Immigration and Nationality Act’s 287(g) program. This law also establishes a state grant program to reimburse counties for certain implementation costs.
While this law does not change custody or support statutes, it may affect families where immigration concerns intersect with divorce, protective orders, or conservatorship issues. For families already navigating complex legal matters, understanding how local law enforcement operates can provide important context when planning for stability and compliance.
Artificial Intelligence Regulation and Family Privacy
Texas has also enacted the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act, which creates a statewide framework for regulating artificial intelligence systems. The law is designed to prevent harmful or discriminatory AI use while encouraging responsible innovation.
For families, this law has implications beyond the business or technology sectors. AI increasingly affects education platforms, financial services, employment decisions, and data management. Parents and individuals involved in family law or estate planning should be mindful of how automated systems handle personal information, financial records, and sensitive family data.
School Finance Rules and Household Planning
Another law, effective January 1, limits the ability of school districts to raise tax rates under disaster provisions without voter approval. This change is intended to protect taxpayers from unexpected increases and reinforce voter oversight.
For families, school finance laws can influence household budgets, property taxes, and decisions about where to live. These considerations often arise in divorce cases, relocation disputes, and long-term planning for children’s education.
App Store Safety Law and What Is Currently Blocked
Texas also passed a law requiring mobile app stores to verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent before minors create accounts or make in-app purchases. The stated goal is to increase parental involvement and protect children online.
However, families should understand that this law is currently blocked by a federal court injunction. Although it is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, it is not enforceable at this time unless the court order changes. This distinction is important because families should not assume all January 1 laws are immediately active.
Even so, the law reflects a broader legislative focus on child safety and parental oversight in digital spaces. Parents are encouraged to continue using device-level parental controls and maintain open conversations with children about online activity.
Property Rights, Housing, and Financial Planning
Additional January 1 laws expand property tax exemptions for business personal property and streamline eviction procedures for unauthorized occupants. While these laws are not family law statutes, they can affect household finances, business ownership, and real estate planning.
For divorcing spouses, blended families, or individuals updating estate plans, changes in property tax treatment and housing rights can influence asset division, support planning, and long-term financial security.
What This Means for Divorce, Custody, and Estate Planning
These January 1, 2026, laws reinforce a key principle in family law: legal planning should evolve alongside changes in law and life circumstances. Custody orders, child support arrangements, and estate planning documents do not update automatically when new laws take effect.
Families benefit from reviewing their legal documents regularly, especially at the start of a new year. January is often the best time to identify areas where life has changed, but legal paperwork has not.
How the Barrows Firm Can Help
At the Barrows Firm, we help families understand how broader legal changes intersect with divorce, custody, child support, and estate planning. Whether you are reviewing an existing order, planning for the future, or navigating a life transition, our team provides thoughtful guidance focused on clarity, protection, and long-term stability.
Contact the Barrows Firm in Southlake to schedule a consultation and start the new year informed, prepared, and confident in your legal planning.
