Recent Texas regulations affecting small businesses

Texas Department of Agriculture corrects its financial assistance rules by restoring Section 28.2 definitions for Texas Agricultural Finance Authority loan programs serving eligible agricultural businesses.

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board amends community college finance rules for fiscal year 2026 to standardize terminology, align definitions, and freeze valuable credentials lists for consistent funding calculations.

Texas Department of Public Safety requires handgun carry license applicants to provide federal eligibility proof through DHS SAVE verification or equivalent documentation.

Texas groundwater contamination notices to well owners and districts must include contaminant names, location, and contact information per 31 TAC §601.10, implementing Senate Bill 1663.

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles requires motor carriers to submit electronic registration applications with USDOT numbers, owner/operator data, vehicle details, insurance proof, and drug-testing certifications; effective May 1, 2026.

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board clarifies community college funding rules for high-demand occupations to improve workforce alignment with no fiscal impact.

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation establishes updated standards for driver education programs under Senate Bill 1366, affecting education providers and content delivery requirements.

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs aligns contractor protest procedures with Texas Comptroller rules to standardize processes across state agencies.

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board establishes a Mental Health Profession Pipeline Program enabling junior college students to transfer seamlessly to universities for mental health careers, addressing professional shortages with no fiscal imp…

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles amends salvage vehicle dealer licensing to expedite processing for military service members, veterans, and military spouses through provisional licenses and streamlined applications.

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles proposes repealing three rules governing motor vehicle dealer licensing procedures and violation findings under 43 TAC.

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles repeals outdated scope provisions for dealer license plates and temporary tags under 43 TAC §215.81 as part of routine rule consolidation.

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs repeals and updates its Multifamily Direct Loan Rule to clarify program requirements for apartment complex development financing.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department repeals the rule governing refusal of permit issuance and renewal for wildlife rehabilitation permits, eliminating the associated review process.

Texas Health and Human Services Commission licensing rule defines factors for determining when a person or facility poses an immediate threat to child safety, including offense severity, injury seriousness, compliance history, and role in operations.