Texas will close out 2025 with about half a dozen new state laws taking effect on Dec. 4, covering everything from public-school testing and legislative procedures to abortion-drug liability and transgender bathroom access in public buildings.

House Bill 8 eliminates the STAAR exam and replaces it

The most sweeping change comes from House Bill 8, which eliminates the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR test , and replaces it with three shorter assessments administered throughout the school year.

Supporters said the through-year model gives teachers faster, more actionable data, while critics warned it adds confusion and increases testing pressure.

Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin, blasted the shift, saying, "No parent has asked for this. No parent wants this, and

See Full Page