S.B. No. 1968 amends the Occupations Code to enhance the licensing and regulation of real estate professionals under the Texas Real Estate Commission. Key changes include a revised definition of "qualifying real estate courses," which now covers a broader range of topics while eliminating specific subtopics. The bill allows the commission to accept gifts, grants, and donations for real estate regulation activities and clarifies the notification process for license holders involved in investigations. It also establishes new educational requirements for broker and sales agent licenses, including the completion of specific qualifying courses and attendance at a broker responsibility course.

Additionally, the bill introduces a requirement for real estate license holders to enter into a written agreement with prospective buyers before showing properties or presenting offers. This agreement must detail the services provided, termination date, exclusivity, and broker compensation, while also disclosing that compensation is negotiable. The bill further amends provisions regarding license suspension or revocation, adding new grounds for disciplinary action, including failure to enter into the required written agreement. It updates language concerning payment requests to the commission and repeals certain provisions of the Occupations Code, clarifying that the new regulations will apply only to actions and applications submitted after the effective date of January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Occupations Code 1101.003, Occupations Code 1101.161, Occupations Code 1101.204, Occupations Code 1101.356, Occupations Code 1101.358, Occupations Code 1101.458, Occupations Code 1101.552, Occupations Code 1101.652, Occupations Code 1101.653 (Occupations Code 1101)
Senate Committee Report: Occupations Code 1101.003, Occupations Code 1101.161, Occupations Code 1101.204, Occupations Code 1101.301, Occupations Code 1101.356, Occupations Code 1101.358, Occupations Code 1101.458, Occupations Code 1101.552, Occupations Code 1101.652, Occupations Code 1101.653 (Occupations Code 1101)
Engrossed: Occupations Code 1101.003, Occupations Code 1101.161, Occupations Code 1101.204, Occupations Code 1101.301, Occupations Code 1101.356, Occupations Code 1101.358, Occupations Code 1101.458, Occupations Code 1101.552, Occupations Code 1101.652, Occupations Code 1101.653 (Occupations Code 1101)
House Committee Report: Occupations Code 1101.003, Occupations Code 1101.161, Occupations Code 1101.204, Occupations Code 1101.301, Occupations Code 1101.356, Occupations Code 1101.358, Occupations Code 1101.458, Occupations Code 1101.552, Occupations Code 1101.652, Occupations Code 1101.653 (Occupations Code 1101)
Enrolled: Occupations Code 1101.003, Occupations Code 1101.161, Occupations Code 1101.204, Occupations Code 1101.301, Occupations Code 1101.356, Occupations Code 1101.358, Occupations Code 1101.458, Occupations Code 1101.552, Occupations Code 1101.652, Occupations Code 1101.653 (Occupations Code 1101)