Texas ended its requirement that aspiring lawyers graduate from an American Bar Association‑accredited law school, a policy move tied to state political opposition to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) standards. The decision opens the door to alternative accreditors and a possible fracturing of the traditional ABA model for legal education in a major red state. Experts say most law schools will still pursue ABA accreditation in the near term because of national portability, bar‑exam reciprocity and employer expectations. Still, the action signals a new vector of state pressure on professional accreditors and could embolden other states to pursue similar deregulatory or ideologically driven oversight. Clarification: ABA accreditation historically underpins bar eligibility and cross‑state recognition; removing a statutory requirement does not instantly revoke ABA standards but changes the incentives for state regulators and students.