As of January 1, 2025, Texas has enacted significant legislative reforms impacting both motorists and consumers. These changes, stemming from House Bill 3297 and House Bill 4, respectively, mark a shift in the state’s approach to vehicle safety regulations and personal data privacy.
Under House Bill 3297, signed into law in 2023, Texas has abolished the requirement for annual safety inspections for non-commercial vehicles. This move aligns Texas with the majority of U.S. states that do not mandate such inspections. However, to compensate for the loss of revenue previously generated by these inspections, a new fee structure has been introduced. Vehicle owners are now required to pay a $7.50 “inspection program replacement fee” during their annual registration process. For new vehicles—those of the current or preceding model year not previously registered in Texas or another state—a $16.75 fee applies, covering the first two years of registration.
Despite the removal of safety inspections, emissions testing remains mandatory in 17 counties, including Harris, Dallas, Travis, and El Paso. These tests are crucial for areas that have historically struggled with air quality standards. Notably, Bexar County is set to join this list in 2026.
The decision to eliminate safety inspections has sparked debate. Proponents argue that the inspections were burdensome and often led to unnecessary expenses for vehicle owners. State Representative Cody Harris, a key advocate for the bill, described the inspections as “a waste of time for Texas citizens and a money-making Ponzi scheme used by some shady dealerships to upsell consumers with unnecessary repairs.”
Conversely, critics express concerns about potential safety risks. Data from a 2023 study by the Journal of Transportation Engineering indicated that vehicles with known defects were over three times more likely to be involved in fatal crashes compared to those without such issues. Charissa Barnes, owner of the Official Inspection Station in San Antonio, emphasized the importance of inspections in ensuring road safety, stating, “We need to make sure that their cars, the people joining us in Texas, are safe.”
Simultaneously, Texas has implemented the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA) through House Bill 4. Effective July 1, 2024, with additional provisions taking effect on January 1, 2025, the TDPSA grants consumers enhanced rights over their personal data. The law allows individuals to opt out of targeted advertising and the sale of personal data through browser settings and authorized agents. It also requires businesses to obtain explicit consent before collecting sensitive data, such as health information or precise geolocation. Companies must provide clear privacy notices and respond to consumer requests regarding data access and correction within 45 days.
The TDPSA applies to businesses operating in Texas or offering products or services consumed by Texas residents, excluding small businesses as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Enforcement of the act falls under the jurisdiction of the Texas Attorney General, with non-compliant businesses facing potential civil penalties.
With the enactment of the TDPSA, Texas becomes the tenth state to introduce comprehensive consumer data privacy legislation, following in the footsteps of California, Virginia, and Colorado, among others. The act draws inspiration from Virginia’s Consumer Data Protection Act but introduces unique elements, such as its applicability criteria and provisions against “dark patterns”—design tactics that manipulate user behavior.
State Representative Giovanni Capriglione, the bill’s author, highlighted the significance of the legislation, stating, “Our goal from the onset was to maximize the utility of consumers’ rights and minimize the compliance costs for businesses.”
These legislative changes reflect Texas’s commitment to modernizing its regulatory framework in response to evolving technological and societal landscapes. While the elimination of vehicle safety inspections aims to reduce bureaucratic burdens on drivers, it also places greater responsibility on individuals to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy. Concurrently, the TDPSA empowers consumers with greater control over their personal data, signaling a proactive stance on privacy in the digital age.
