The bill, S.B. No. 2690, introduces a new subchapter to the Business & Commerce Code that regulates solicitations for the retrieval of business certification documents from the Texas Secretary of State. It establishes clear definitions and requirements for both mail and telephone/in-person solicitations. Specifically, it mandates that any solicitation must include a prominent disclosure stating that the notice is not from a governmental entity and that the documents can be obtained directly from the Secretary of State's office. This disclosure must be presented in a specific format, including boldfaced type and in multiple languages, depending on the solicitation's language.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for investigating complaints regarding violations of these regulations and imposes civil penalties for non-compliance. A person found in violation may be liable for a penalty of up to $500 for each solicitation deemed a separate violation. The enforcement of these penalties can be pursued by the attorney general or local attorneys. The provisions of this bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to solicitations made after that date.

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