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 and donations for funding real estate regulation activities and clarifies its authority to notify individuals associated with license holders under investigation. Additionally, it establishes standards for educational programs and instructor qualifications, updates requirements for broker and sales agent licenses, and mandates that license holders provide updated contact information to the commission.

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 broker compensation is negotiable. It adds a new ground for disciplinary action if a license holder fails to enter into this required agreement and updates language regarding payment requests to the commission. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and applies to complaints and applications filed after this date.

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)