Regular Session
Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis
Effective May 28, 2025, the State of Texas has asserted exclusive jurisdiction over Delivery Network Companies (DNCs), preempting all municipal ordinances regarding licensing and rates. HB4215 mandates immediate operational changes regarding driver background checks and consumer-facing policies, while simultaneously creating a statutory "safe harbor" to solidify independent contractor status for drivers.
Rep. Todd Hunter·House Bill·Regular Session
This legislation has regulatory implications for the following Texas businesses and organizations:
Significant regulatory changes (effective 2025-05-28). Review with your legal and compliance teams to understand implications.
Affected business types:
Affected business types:
mediumModerate costs expected for implementation.
JD Key Consulting provides government affairs and regulatory strategy services. We help businesses navigate Texas agencies, understand legislative impacts, and advocate for their interests.
JD Key Consulting provides strategic guidance on Texas regulatory compliance and legislative impact for your business.
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
To utilize the new statutory protection against worker misclassification claims (Sec. 2402.134), you must audit and potentially amend driver agreements. To qualify as Independent Contractors, your written agreements must not:
You must overhaul your onboarding "gatekeeper" protocols. Before authorizing network access, you must conduct a local, state, and national criminal background check (including the National Sex Offender Public Website).
JD Key Consulting specializes in Texas regulatory compliance strategy. Work directly with James Dickey—former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas—to understand this bill's impact on your operations and develop an actionable compliance plan.
Schedule a ConsultationInformation presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
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Common questions about HB4215
Effective May 28, 2025, the State of Texas has asserted exclusive jurisdiction over Delivery Network Companies (DNCs), preempting all municipal ordinances regarding licensing and rates. HB4215 mandates immediate operational changes regarding driver background checks and consumer-facing policies, while simultaneously creating a statutory "safe harbor" to solidify independent contractor status for drivers.
HB4215 was authored by Texas Representative Todd Hunter during the Regular Session.
HB4215 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 28, 2025.
HB4215 is enforced by Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
The regulatory priority for HB4215 is rated as "critical". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.
The cost impact of HB4215 is estimated as "medium". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
HB4215 addresses topics including business & commerce, business & commerce--general, occupational regulation, occupational regulation--other trades & professions and protection of personal information.
Key dates for HB4215: Effective date is 2025-05-28. Rulemaking: Establish the amount of the annual permit fee to cover administrative costs (Sec. 2402.052). (As soon as practicable); Create the application process and forms for the new Delivery Network Company (DNC) occupational permit. (As soon as practicable). Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.
HB4215 establishes the following penalties: administrative penalty of Permit Suspension or Revocation for Violation of any provision of Chapter 2402 (Sec. 2402.201).; administrative penalty of Denial of Access for DNCs must deny network access to drivers with specific criminal/driving convictions (e.g., DUI in last 7 years, >4 moving violations in 3 years).. Consult with legal counsel for specific applicability to your situation.
HB4215 primarily affects Texas businesses and commercial enterprises, transportation and logistics companies. These businesses should review the legislation with their legal and compliance teams to understand potential impacts.
JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.
