🟢An Act relating to certain definitions relating to the regulation of and private rights of action arising from certain solicitation-related communications

🟢 SB 140: Closing the loophole on spam texts in Texas

What it says it does:
SB 140 updates Texas telemarketing law so that text messages, images, and other digital messages are treated the same as voice calls. It aims to protect Texans from deceptive or unwanted digital solicitations.

What it actually changes:
The bill expands the legal definitions of “telephone call” and “telephone solicitation” to include digital transmissions. It ties violations directly to the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, allowing both the Attorney General and private citizens to sue companies that break the rules.

Who is pushing for it:
Authored by Sen. Bob Hall. Supported by AARP Texas and several private citizens who testified in favor. No industry opposition recorded in the witness lists.

Who benefits:
Consumers gain stronger legal protections from spam and scam messages. Seniors and vulnerable Texans are less likely to be targeted without recourse. Trial lawyers and consumer advocates also benefit from clearer enforcement powers.

Who gets left out or exposed:
Small businesses that use bulk messaging for legitimate advertising will face stricter compliance obligations. The bill relies on private lawsuits rather than dedicated state enforcement, leaving some gaps in oversight.

Why this matters long term:
SB 140 gives Texans control over how companies contact them. It modernizes consumer protection law to match the way people actually communicate today. By connecting violations to the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, it ensures lasting accountability as technology evolves.

What to watch next:
Courts will likely determine how broadly the phrase “other transmission” applies. Enforcement outcomes will depend on whether consumers and attorneys actively pursue claims.

Bottom line:
SB 140 strengthens consumer rights without new bureaucracy. It is a practical fix that closes a loophole many Texans did not know existed, and it gives ordinary people a clearer path to push back against digital harassment.

#SB140 #TexasPolicy #ConsumerProtection #TelemarketingReform #KnowBeforeYouVote