News

News from our committees on business law topics, announcements and more.

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Legislative Report

2025 - 89th Legislative Session

2025-03-20 Report on Bills
by Texas Business Law FoundationMarch 20, 2025
The 89th Texas Legislature (Regular Session) convened on January 14, 2025, and runs for its constitutional maximum of 140 days, ending June 2nd. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick presides in the Senate. Rep. Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) presides as Speaker in the House of Representatives. Governor Greg Abbott continues to lead the Executive Branch. Sen. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) chairs the Business & Commerce Committee (B&C) in the Senate. In the House, the Business & Industry Committee is replaced by the new Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee (TWED). Rep. Angie Chen Button (R-Dallas) is the chair of TWED. Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola) chairs the Senate Jurisprudence Committee. In the House, Rep. Jeff Leach (R-Plano) chairs the Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee (JCJ). These BLS updates are provided periodically throughout the legislative session as directed by the Texas Business Law Foundation (TBLF). The reports are categorized by 11 general subject matter categories edited by the TBLF. Bill references within the updates are interactive for quick access to bill text, sponsors, analyses, and actions. The updates are provided to keep BLS members informed and knowledgeable on the progress of Texas legislation impacting business law.
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Legislative Report

2025 - 89th Legislative Session

2025-03-13 Report on Bills
by Texas Business Law FoundationMarch 14, 2025
The 89th Texas Legislature (Regular Session) convened on January 14, 2025, and runs for its constitutional maximum of 140 days, ending June 2nd. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick continues to preside in the Senate. Rep. Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) presides as Speaker in the House of Representatives. Governor Greg Abbott continues to lead the Executive Branch. Sen. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) continues as chair of the Business & Commerce Committee (B&C) in the Senate. In the House, the Business & Industry Committee has been replaced by the new Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee (TWED). Rep. Angie Chen Button (R-Dallas) is the chair of TWED. These BLS updates are provided periodically throughout the legislative session as directed by the Texas Business Law Foundation (TBLF). The reports are categorized by 11 general subject matter categories edited by the TBLF. Bill references within the updates are interactive for quick access to bill text, sponsors, analyses, and actions. The updates are provided to keep BLS members informed and knowledgeable on the progress of Texas legislation impacting business law.
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Legislative Report

2025 - 89th Legislative Session

Analysis of HB 4518
by 04190735March 14, 2025
Relating to the formation of decentralized unincorporated nonprofit associations and the use of distributed ledger or blockchain technology for certain business purposes; authorizing fees.
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Legislative Report

2025 - 89th Legislative Session

2025-03-06 Report on Bills
by Texas Business Law FoundationMarch 6, 2025
The 89th Texas Legislature (Regular Session) convened on January 14, 2025, and runs for its constitutional maximum of 140 days, ending June 2nd. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick continues to preside in the Senate. Rep. Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) presides as Speaker in the House of Representatives. Governor Greg Abbott continues to lead the Executive Branch. Sen. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) continues as chair of the Business & Commerce Committee (B&C) in the Senate. In the House, the Business & Industry Committee has been replaced by the new Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee (TWED). Rep. Angie Chen Button (R-Dallas) is the chair of TWED. These BLS updates are provided periodically throughout the legislative session as directed by the Texas Business Law Foundation (TBLF). The reports are categorized by 11 general subject matter categories edited by the TBLF. Bill references within the updates are interactive for quick access to bill text, sponsors, analyses, and actions. The updates are provided to keep BLS members informed and knowledgeable on the progress of Texas legislation impacting business law.
Members Only

Legislative Report

2025 - 89th Legislative Session

2025-02-28 Report on Bills
by Texas Business Law FoundationFebruary 28, 2025
The 89th Texas Legislature (Regular Session) convened on January 14, 2025, and runs for its constitutional maximum of 140 days, ending June 2nd. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick continues to preside in the Senate. Rep. Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) presides as Speaker in the House of Representatives. Governor Greg Abbott continues to lead the Executive Branch. Sen. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) continues as chair of the Business & Commerce Committee (B&C) in the Senate. In the House, the Business & Industry Committee has been replaced by the new Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee (TWED). Rep. Angie Chen Button (R-Dallas) is the chair of TWED.
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Legislative Report

Artificial Intelligence

Analysis of SB 668
by roncFebruary 28, 2025
This bill would would amend the Business & Commerce Code to require large corporations (with revenues greater than $100 Billion) to disclose what AI models they use to provide services. Enforcement of the provisions of this act is by attorney general or an action under the DTPA.
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Legislative Report

2025 - 89th Legislative Session

2025-02-21 Report on Bills
by bizlawFebruary 22, 2025
The 89th Texas Legislature (Regular Session) convened on January 14, 2025, and runs for its constitutional maximum of 140 days, ending June 2nd. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick continues to preside in the Senate. Rep. Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) presides as Speaker in the House of Representatives. Governor Greg Abbott continues to lead the Executive Branch. Sen. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) continues as chair of the Business & Commerce Committee (B&C) in the Senate. In the House, the Business & Industry Committee has been replaced by the new Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee (TWED). Rep. Angie Chen Button (R-Dallas) is the chair of TWED. These BLS updates are provided periodically throughout the legislative session as directed by the Texas Business Law Foundation (TBLF). The reports are categorized by 11 general subject matter categories edited by the TBLF. Bill references within the updates are interactive for quick access to bill text, sponsors, analyses, and actions. The updates are provided to keep BLS members informed and knowledgeable on the progress of Texas legislation impacting business law.
Members Only

Legislative Report

2025 - 89th Legislative Session

2025-02-13 Report on Bills
by bizlawFebruary 14, 2025
The 89th Texas Legislature (Regular Session) convened on January 14, 2025, and runs for its constitutional maximum of 140 days, ending June 2nd. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick continues to preside in the Senate. Rep. Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) presides as Speaker in the House of Representatives. Governor Greg Abbott continues to lead the Executive Branch. Sen. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) continues as chair of the Business & Commerce Committee (B&C) in the Senate. In the House, the Business & Industry Committee has been replaced by the new Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee (TWED). Rep. Angie Chen Button (R-Dallas) is the chair of TWED.
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Legislative Report

2025 - 89th Legislative Session

2025-01-27 Report on Bills
by bizlawJanuary 28, 2025
The weekly report of bills being introduced and acted upon within the ambit of businesses and business law

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News

Congratulations, James P. Sullivan
by 11689200January 24, 2025
Congratulations, James P. Sullivan, on your recent appointment by Governor Greg Abbott to Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas.
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Legislative Report

Artificial Intelligence

Analysis of HB 1709
by 04190735December 23, 2024
HB 1709 is a bill that is: "relating to the regulation and reporting on the use of artificial intelligence systems by certain business entities and state agencies; providing civil penalties".

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News

FTC Issues Final Rule on the Negative Option Rule
by 04190735October 29, 2024
The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC” or “Commission”) issues final amendments to the Commission’s trade regulation “Rule Concerning Use of Prenotification Negative Option Plans,” retitled the “Rule Concerning Recurring Subscriptions and Other Negative Option Programs” (“Rule,” “final Rule” or “Negative Option Rule”). The final Rule now applies to all negative option programs in any media, and, among other things, (1) prohibits misrepresentations of any material fact made while marketing using negative option features; (2) requires sellers to provide important information prior to obtaining consumers’ billing information and charging consumers; (3) requires sellers to obtain consumers’ unambiguously affirmative consent to the negative option feature prior to charging them; and (4) requires sellers to provide consumers with simple cancellation mechanisms to immediately halt all recurring charges.

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Securities Law

SEC Announces Departure of Enforcement Director Gurbir S. Grewal
by 06773540October 2, 2024
Sanjay Wadhwa, a 21-year agency vet, named Acting Director; Sam Waldon named Acting Deputy Director

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Slider Messages

Business Courts Are Here
by bizlawOctober 1, 2024
The Texas Business Courts began operations 09/01/2024. Our Business Courts Resource Center is the space to get up to date on what is going on with the court administration and docket.

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Blog Posts

Divided SEC Approves PCAOB’s Quality Control Standard
by 06773540September 10, 2024
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on September 9, 2024, voted 3-2 to approve the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s (PCAOB) new quality control (QC) standard that imposes a combination of principles-based and prescriptive requirements to make sure that audit firms have a robust QC system to better protect investors.

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Artificial Intelligence

FTC's First Attempt to Crack Down on AI-Generated Fake Reviews
by Federal Trade CommissionAugust 26, 2024
On August 14, the FTC announced its final rule banning fake reviews and testimonials.

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News

District Court Sets Aside FTC’s Rule Banning Non-Compete Agreements
by roncAugust 23, 2024
From the Court's ruling: "For the reasons enumerated above, it is ORDERED that Ryan and Plaintiff-Intervenors’ Motions for Summary Judgment are GRANTED. (ECF Nos. 166, 168). Additionally, for the reasons the Court grants Plaintiffs’ Motions for Summary Judgment, the Court DENIES the FTC’s Motion for Summary Judgment. (ECF No. 184). The Non-Compete Rule, 16 C.F.R. § 910.1–.6, is hereby SET ASIDE and shall not be enforced or otherwise take effect on September 4, 2024, or thereafter."

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Securities Law

Federal court strikes down Missouri investment rule targeted at 'woke politics'
by 06773540August 16, 2024
A federal judge has struck down Missouri investment regulations that Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft had touted as way to expose financial institutions that “put woke politics ahead of investment returns.”

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News

Sixth edition of free textbook: Copyright Law: Cases and Materials v6.0
by 04190735June 24, 2024
A new version of the free eBook by Copyright professors Jeanne Fromer and Chris Sprigman

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Business Courts

Countdown to Business Courts: Six Must-Know Rules
by Ben Barnes, Nick BrownApril 15, 2024
Gov. Greg Abbott signed HB 19 into law last summer, officially creating the hotly anticipated Texas business court. The new court — which is set to open its doors Sept. 1, 2024 — has been top of mind for Texas trial lawyers ever since. Now, the Texas Supreme Court has proposed the first set of procedural rules that will apply in the business court, bringing clearer focus to the business court vision. Commercial trial lawyers should now be better positioned to advise their clients on the particulars of this new forum.

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Business Courts

The new Texas Business Court: What it is and how to use it
by roncJune 26, 2023
By Eversheds Southerland. With Governor Abbott signing House Bill 19 into law on June 9, Texas joins more than two dozen US states with a specialized business court system designed to preside over specific high-value business and commercial disputes. Although HB 19 is scheduled to go into effect on September 1, 2023, the new business courts will not open until September 1, 2024. HB 19 will undoubtedly reshape the litigation landscape for business and commercial cases in Texas.
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News

Forthcoming Complimentary All-Ethics CLE Webcast: Cyber Liability Protection including Insurance
by 09111900June 22, 2023
Guidance pertaining to achieving law practice cyber security and privacy prerequisite to assuring compliance with ethical behavior commensurate with Texas DRPC. Cyber insurance coverage issues will be discussed in view of recent relevant case law. This timely presentation will be made by Section member Lisa M. Angelo who has achieved privacy–related certifications including IPP/US and CIPM, and whose practice concentrates on cyber liability issues.

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Slider Messages

ChatBots, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
by ChatBot/AI/ML Resource CenterMarch 29, 2023
Chatbots, AI and ML will soon have a significant impact on our law practices and the conduct of business by our clients. The Business Law Section is in the process of putting together a Chatbot/AI/ML Resource Center to help you navigate this landscape

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Slider Messages

The 88th Texas Legislature (4th Special Session) Just Adjourned. Will There Be Another?
by bizlawJanuary 8, 2023
Follow legislation - proposed or enacted -- through the Section's weekly reports and a final report on the Session in Member Benefits/Legislation

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Securities Law

SEC Risk Alert on Investment Adviser Rule
by Securities Law CommitteeSeptember 22, 2022
The SEC issued a risk alert on Monday (attached) about the new SEC’s Investment Adviser marketing rule, which becomes effective on November 4, 2022. It is worth a read.

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Securities Law

SEC increases Emerging Growth Company Revenue Threshold, leaves Crowdfunding threshold unchanged.
by Securities Law CommitteeSeptember 20, 2022
Per the attached release, the SEC has increased the Emerging Growth Company maximum revenue threshold to $1,235,000,000.  The Crowdfunding threshold is unchanged.

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Securities Law

SEC report says SEC Ombudsman neglected duties
by adminSeptember 19, 2022
Findings Related to the Former SEC Ombudsman The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Office of Inspector ...

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General Practice Committee

Department of Homeland Security Industry Alert
by 24093023February 14, 2022
Sharing an alert posted by DHS and DOD this week for any potential practitioners representing clients in the defense industry supply chain.
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Securities Law

Fifth Circuit issues preliminary injunction against Texas Bar for unconstitutional actions (LA)
by 06773540July 3, 2021
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Securities Law

Fifth Circuit issues preliminary injunction against Texas Bar for unconstitutional actions
by 06773540July 3, 2021