S.B. No. 1968 is a legislative bill that revises the Occupations Code to enhance the licensing and regulation of real estate professionals under the Texas Real Estate Commission. Key amendments include a broader definition of "qualifying real estate courses," the introduction of provisions allowing the commission to accept gifts, grants, and donations, and a clarified notification process for license holders involved in investigations. The bill also establishes new educational requirements for broker and sales agent licenses, necessitating the completion of specific qualifying courses and attendance at a broker responsibility course.

Additionally, the bill mandates that real estate license holders enter into a written agreement with prospective buyers before showing properties or presenting offers, detailing the services provided, agreement terms, and broker compensation. It introduces a new ground for disciplinary action related to the failure to enter into this agreement and requires brokers to disclose their representation status. Other changes include updated contact information requirements for license holders and the repeal of certain provisions in the Occupations Code. The bill is scheduled to take effect on 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)