Texas Enacts 14 New Higher Education Laws That Will Reshape Public Colleges This Fall
AUSTIN, TX - August 10, 2025 Starting September 1, 2025, Texas public colleges and universities must comply with 14 newly passed laws that will fundamentally alter campus policies on free speech, faculty governance, athlete compensation, research, admissions, and safety training.
Among the most notable changes is Senate Bill 2972, which restricts expressive activity on campus to students and employees, while Senate Bill 326 mandates use of the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition of antisemitism in conduct assessments - raising concerns about limitations on speech related to politically sensitive topics.
Senate Bill 37 significantly curtails faculty influence by dismantling traditional advisory structures and consolidating power with boards appointed by the governor, prompting worries about academic freedom.
House Bill 126 authorizes direct Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation for athletes, setting aside up to $20.5 million for such programs.
Other provisions include telework restrictions via Senate Bill 2615, a new Higher Education Research Security Council through House Bill 127, and admissions reforms with grade forgiveness (SB 365), direct applications via My Texas Future (SB 2314), and a free college application week (SB 2231).
Student safety receives a boost through mandated training in fentanyl awareness (HB 3062) and sexual assault prevention (SB 800).
Finally, Senate Bill 2361 will transfer the University of Houston–Victoria into the Texas A&M System, while Senate Bill 2986 permits religious groups to rent campus spaces. Voters will also decide on funding a $3 billion Dementia Prevention and Research Institute via ballot measure SB 5.
These sweeping changes mark a profound shift in Texas higher education, introducing heightened oversight, streamlined governance, and broader curricular reengineering - transformations that have drawn both support and significant criticism.