BROWNFIELD — Several laws passed by the Texas Legislature will take effect in 2026 and are expected to have direct and indirect impacts on Terry County and communities across West Texas, affecting local law enforcement, property taxes, housing, insurance, and employment.
Immigration Enforcement and Local Law Enforcement
One of the most significant measures for rural counties is Senate Bill 8, which requires sheriffs in counties that operate jails — including Terry County — to formally partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through the federal 287(g) program.
The law mandates participation in certain federal immigration enforcement duties. To help offset costs, the state has created a grant program based on population size. Terry County, which has fewer than 100,000 residents, would be eligible for up to $80,000 in state funding to support training, staffing, and administrative costs tied to the program.
Supporters say the law strengthens border security and public safety, while critics argue it places additional responsibilities on local law enforcement agencies.
Property Tax Changes Affect Local Governments and Businesses
Property tax legislation passed this session could affect both local governments and businesses in Terry County.
House Bill 9 raises the business inventory exemption from $2,500 to $125,000, pending voter approval in November. Local business owners say the change could reduce tax burdens, particularly for small and mid-sized operations, every day in West Texas. However, local governments and school districts could see reduced revenue unless tax rates are adjusted.
Another measure, Senate Bill 1023, aims to increase transparency in the calculation of property tax rates. Beginning January 1, 2026, Terry County and other taxing entities will be required to use comptroller-approved electronic forms that clearly show how tax rates are determined, with direct links to supporting documents.
House Bill 30 allows counties and cities — including Terry County — to temporarily exceed voter-approved tax rates following a state or federally declared disaster. The law is designed to help local governments recover costs from events such as severe storms or other natural disasters common to West Texas.
Housing and Evictions
Senate Bill 38 changes eviction procedures for individuals unlawfully occupying property, commonly referred to as squatters. The law speeds up the eviction process and limits the ability of state leaders to pause evictions during emergencies.
Property owners in rural communities like Terry County say the measure provides needed clarity and protection, while housing advocates warn it could reduce protections for vulnerable renters. Portions of the law are already in effect, with complete implementation set for January 1, 2026.
Artificial Intelligence Rules for Government and Business
Texas lawmakers also approved House Bill 149, the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act. While the law applies statewide, it affects how local governments — including Terry County offices — may use artificial intelligence.
The law restricts government use of AI for social scoring and certain biometric surveillance technologies, such as facial recognition, and establishes enforcement authority with the Texas Attorney General. It takes effect January 1, 2026.
Insurance and Employment Changes
House Bill 2067 requires insurance companies to provide written explanations when policies are declined, canceled, or not renewed. Residents in rural areas, where insurance availability can already be limited, may gain more transparency into insurer decisions beginning in 2026.
House Bill 3699 simplifies unemployment claims by redefining what counts as a worker’s last employer. The change applies to claims filed on or after January 1, 2026. It is intended to streamline the process for workers and employers alike, including agricultural and energy-sector workers, who are common in West Texas.
App Store Law on Hold
Another bill, House Bill 2420, known as the App Store Accountability Act, would have required age verification and parental consent for minors using mobile app stores. The law is currently blocked by a federal judge, who ruled that it is likely to violate the First Amendment. Unless the ruling is overturned, the measure will not take effect in 2026.
What Comes Next
Local officials in Terry County are expected to review the new laws over the coming months to determine how they will affect county operations, budgets, and residents. Several of the measures will also be shaped by voter approval, court rulings, and future rulemaking before taking effect.
