Bill > SB473

This bill strengthens telephone solicitation regulations in Texas by adding new provisions to the Business & Commerce Code. It introduces a private cause of action that allows individuals harmed by violations of telephone solicitation rules to sue violators, with potential damages ranging from $500 to $10,000 per violation, plus the ability to seek injunctive relief, court costs, and attorney's fees. The bill removes the phrase "or private" from an existing enforcement provision, and adds a new requirement that state agencies can condition business licenses on compliance with telephone solicitation regulations. Additionally, the bill defines "telephone call" by referencing another section of the code and specifies that the new legal provisions will only apply to causes of action that accrue on or after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025. The key innovation is empowering individual consumers to take legal action against unauthorized telephone solicitors, which could serve as a deterrent to potential violations and provide a mechanism for direct compensation.

Business and Industry

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB473