S.B. No. 3027 amends the Business & Commerce Code to enhance the jurisdiction of district and county attorneys in prosecuting consumer protection violations. The bill introduces new provisions that allow these attorneys to take action under specific sections of the code, including filing assurances of voluntary compliance and civil investigative demands in the appropriate district courts. It also establishes that district and county attorneys must assist the consumer protection division and can initiate actions if they provide prior written notice, provided the consumer protection division does not intend to act on the matter. Additionally, the bill stipulates that a significant portion of civil penalties awarded for certain violations must be allocated to the county where the court is located.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the Texas Finance Code to clarify the procedures for financial institutions in responding to record requests from government agencies. It outlines the conditions under which a financial institution must produce records and the rights of customers regarding such requests. The changes ensure that financial institutions are not compelled to disclose records without proper notice and consent from affected customers, while also detailing the process for in-camera inspections and protective orders. The act will apply only to causes of action that accrue after its effective date, which is contingent on legislative approval for immediate effect or set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Commerce Code 17.48, Commerce Code 17.61, of the Texas Finance Code 59.006 (of the Texas Finance Code 59, Commerce Code 17)