Bill > SB140

This bill expands and clarifies definitions and legal protections related to telephone solicitation and telemarketing in the Texas Business & Commerce Code. The bill broadens the definition of "telephone call" to include not just voice calls, but also text messages, graphic messages, and image transmissions, and expands the definition of "telephone solicitation" to cover more types of communication initiated by sellers to induce purchases. The bill also strengthens consumer protections by explicitly stating that these chapters should be "liberally construed" to protect persons and the public against false, misleading, or deceptive practices in telephone solicitation and telemarketing. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions that classify violations of these chapters as deceptive trade practices and allows for both public and private rights of action under existing consumer protection laws. The bill also clarifies that multiple legal recoveries for the same type of violation will not limit future recovery, which could provide more robust legal recourse for consumers. These changes will apply only to conduct occurring on or after September 1, 2025, when the bill is set to take effect.

Business and Industry

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB140