House Bill No. 2493 aims to regulate eviction-related service businesses in Texas by introducing new provisions under Section 17.465 of the Business & Commerce Code. The bill defines "eviction-related services" as any service provided to consumers in connection with eviction suits filed by landlords. It establishes that offering such services without a clear, written disclosure to consumers—including information about their rights to legal aid, tenant rights, and the availability of free services through nonprofit organizations—constitutes a false, misleading, or deceptive act. Additionally, the bill prohibits instructing consumers not to attend civil proceedings related to eviction suits.

The bill also amends Section 17.49(c) to clarify that the exemption for claims based on professional services does not apply to violations of the new provisions in Section 17.465(b). This means that any failure to disclose required information or misrepresentation in the context of eviction-related services can lead to legal consequences. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Commerce Code 17.49 (Commerce Code 17)