With some exceptions, most state laws take effect in September of odd-numbered years. Some state laws go into effect immediately when passed or at some other time in the future.

See the resources below for more information.

• The Texas Legislature's General Reports page lists bills by effective date since 1989. On that page, select a legislative session from the dropdown menu then select a report.
• The Texas Legislative Reference Library maintains a list of the effective dates of bills passed since 2015.
• On our website, the Legislative Recaps page links to news articles from various sources about the most recent state laws.

Looking for session laws? The Secretary of State publishes the official version of the laws enacted by the legislature.

If you need help researching new state laws, use our Ask a Librarian service.