Business and Commerce

This bill (SB 15) claims to address real property recording requirements and create "real property theft" and "real property fraud" offenses, but the actual bill text amends criminal procedure law (Code of Criminal Procedure §12.01) to extend statute-of-limitations periods for specific felony indictments. It lists offenses like murder, sexual assault, trafficking, and tampering with evidence as having "no limitation" for prosecution, but does not create new real property theft or fraud crimes as the title suggests. The bill was reported adversely by the Senate Committee on Business & Commerce (10-0 vote) and did not advance further. The discrepancy between the bill's title and its actual content (criminal procedure amendments) appears to be a mischaracterization in the legislative summary.

HB 2520 amends Texas' open meetings law to expand the definition of "governmental body" subject to public meeting requirements. It adds entities like reinvestment zone boards, workforce development boards, certain nonprofit water corporations, and local workforce boards to the list of groups required to follow open meeting rules. The bill also requires more specific meeting notices, including detailed agendas that clearly identify topics of public interest and any items discussed in closed sessions. This legislation, which passed both chambers in May 2025, was vetoed by the Governor on June 22, 2025.

HB 705 established a Cosmetology Licensure Compact in Texas, allowing cosmetologists licensed in participating states to practice across state lines without reapplying for new licenses. It directly affects licensed cosmetologists, military members relocating with their families, and state regulatory agencies by creating uniform licensing standards and enabling cross-state practice. Key provisions include standardized requirements for licensure, sharing of disciplinary information between states, and support for military personnel's mobility. The bill was passed by both legislative chambers and sent to the Governor, but was vetoed on June 22, 2025, preventing it from becoming law.

HB 2518 prohibits third-party premium financing arrangements for Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) policies, requiring policyholders to use installment payment plans directly through TWIA at no additional cost. It applies to all TWIA policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, and became effective September 1, 2025. The bill directly affects Texas homeowners and property owners insured through TWIA who previously relied on third-party financing options. This change eliminates fees associated with external premium financing by mandating that TWIA provide its own no-cost installment plans.

HB 149, the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act, regulates how businesses use artificial intelligence systems that capture or store biometric data (like fingerprints or facial scans). It requires companies to obtain explicit consent before using biometric data for commercial AI purposes, unless the data was publicly shared by the individual themselves. The law exempts financial institutions retaining voiceprints, AI training data, and systems used for security, fraud prevention, or investigating illegal activity. Violations result in civil penalties, and the law takes effect January 1, 2026.