2nd Special Session
Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis
Senate Bill 16 fundamentally alters Texas real property recording procedures by mandating government-issued Photo ID for all in-person filings and elevating real estate fraud to a first-degree felony with a 10-year statute of limitations. This legislation impacts title companies, law firms, and courier services by creating a mandatory restitution regime for insurers and imposing strict identity verification protocols at County Clerk offices.
Sen. Royce West·Senate Bill·2nd Special Session
This legislation has regulatory implications for the following Texas businesses and organizations:
Significant regulatory changes (effective 2025-09-01). Review with your legal and compliance teams to understand implications.
Affected business types:
lowMinimal cost impact anticipated.
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
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 SB16
Senate Bill 16 fundamentally alters Texas real property recording procedures by mandating government-issued Photo ID for all in-person filings and elevating real estate fraud to a first-degree felony with a 10-year statute of limitations. This legislation impacts title companies, law firms, and courier services by creating a mandatory restitution regime for insurers and imposing strict identity verification protocols at County Clerk offices.
SB16 was authored by Texas Senator Royce West during the 2nd Special Session.
SB16 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on September 17, 2025.
SB16 is enforced by County Clerks (Recording requirements and ID verification), District Attorneys / Prosecutors, Law Enforcement Agencies, Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and Secretary of State (Fraudulent lien filings).
The regulatory priority for SB16 is rated as "critical". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.
The cost impact of SB16 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
SB16 addresses topics including property interests, property interests--real property, county government, county government--general and courts.
Key dates for SB16: Effective date is 2025-09-01. Rulemaking: Must create a form affidavit for use by TDCJ employees/board members to report fraudulent liens filed by inmates. (No specific date set, but required for operation). Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.
SB16 establishes the following penalties: criminal penalty of 2nd Degree Felony (2-20 years) for Real Property Theft/Fraud: Value of property < $300,000; criminal penalty of 1st Degree Felony (5-99 years or life) for Real Property Theft/Fraud: Value of property ≥ $300,000; criminal penalty of Enhancement to next higher category for Offense committed against elderly, disabled, non-profit owner, or involving a residence homestead. Consult with legal counsel for specific applicability to your situation.
SB16 primarily affects property owners and real estate professionals. 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.
