New Texas Laws Effective January 1, 2026: Property Tax and Unemployment Changes

Property Tax Transparency

• 📌 Senate Bill 1023 mandates that local taxing entities in Texas must use electronic forms to calculate tax rates.
• 🧾 These entities are required to show a step-by-step calculation of tax rates, linking each rate to underlying appraisal and tax documents.
• 🏠 This change aims to make it easier for homeowners to verify and potentially challenge their property tax bills.

Unemployment Claims Simplification

• 📄 House Bill 3699 simplifies the process for Texans filing for unemployment benefits.
• 🧑‍💼 The law clarifies who qualifies as a worker's last employer, removing previous hour-based requirements.
• ✅ These changes apply to unemployment claims filed on or after January 1st.

Broader Legislative Impact

• ⚖️ Lawmakers intend for these new systems to be clearer and more consistent for all Texans.
• 🔗 Additional information on laws affecting squatters and artificial intelligence is available on the K2O website.