On September 1, a suite of bills approved during the 2025 legislative session will take effect across Texas, bringing new consumer protections and expanding state‑wide options for both businesses and families.
Solar sales get tighter oversight
Senate Bill 1036 mandates that any company selling solar panels in Texas, as well as its sales staff, must register with the state. The law also requires solar firms to maintain liability insurance and to supervise their salespeople directly. Existing provisions already give consumers a five‑day “cool‑off” period to cancel a solar purchase or lease without penalty, and any financing tied to the transaction must be terminated as well.
The legislation further bans deceptive marketing, such as falsely claiming affiliation with a utility or government agency, ignoring “no‑soliciting” signs, and allowing unlicensed installers to perform work. State regulators will have the authority to impose penalties, order cancellations and refunds, and pursue enhanced penalties when a victim is 65 years of age or older.
Right‑to‑repair expands consumer choice
House Bill 2963, Texas’ newest right‑to‑repair law, becomes active on September 1. It requires manufacturers of certain electronic devices to provide independent repair shops and consumers with the same parts, tools, and repair documentation that authorized service providers receive. The law excludes medical devices, video‑game consoles, home appliances, motor vehicles, farm equipment, and industrial or aerospace gear. Manufacturers are also exempt from disclosing trade secrets, source code, or tools that could bypass security features.
With this measure, Texas joins nine other states that have enacted right‑to‑repair statutes, a move praised by consumer‑advocacy groups for promoting competition and reducing waste.
Gold and silver recognized as legal tender
House Bill 1056 creates a new framework for using qualifying gold and silver bullion as legal tender in Texas. Beginning September 1, bullion that meets strict weight and purity standards and does not bear markings suggesting federal minting will be recognized as official money. The law does not compel businesses or individuals to accept the metals, but it does allow for an electronic payment system backed by precious metals stored in the Texas Bullion Depository.
Starting May 1, 2027, the state comptroller may authorize electronic platforms that enable deposits and payments using this bullion‑backed currency, offering an alternative to traditional fiat transactions.
Other measures affecting Texans
Senate Bill 785 prevents cities from banning manufactured homes, protecting affordable housing options for families. House Bill 5424 permits fire departments to compensate volunteer firefighters up to 20 percent of a full‑time firefighter’s annual salary, recognizing the vital role volunteers play in public safety. House Bill 1240 expands the list of counties that may be designated as border counties under state law, potentially affecting federal funding and resource allocation.
These combined measures will impact businesses, consumers, local governments and public‑safety agencies throughout the state, reinforcing Texas’ commitment to personal liberty, family stability and responsible governance.
Original reporting: WBAP News/Talk (Dallas-Fort Worth) — read the source article.
