Regular Session
Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis
SB1968 fundamentally alters Texas residential real estate by mandating written agreements with prospective buyers before a property is shown, effective January 1, 2026. This legislation terminates the practice of informal showings and makes the failure to execute a pre-showing agreement explicit grounds for license suspension or revocation.
Sen. Charles Schwertner·Senate Bill·Regular Session
This legislation has regulatory implications for the following Texas businesses and organizations:
Significant regulatory changes (effective 2026-01-01). Review with your legal and compliance teams to understand implications.
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
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.
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This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
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Common questions about SB1968
SB1968 fundamentally alters Texas residential real estate by mandating written agreements with prospective buyers before a property is shown, effective January 1, 2026. This legislation terminates the practice of informal showings and makes the failure to execute a pre-showing agreement explicit grounds for license suspension or revocation.
SB1968 was authored by Texas Senator Charles Schwertner during the Regular Session.
SB1968 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 22, 2025.
SB1968 is enforced by Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).
The regulatory priority for SB1968 is rated as "critical". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.
The cost impact of SB1968 is estimated as "medium". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
SB1968 addresses topics including occupational regulation, occupational regulation--other trades & professions, property interests, property interests--real property and real estate agents.
Key dates for SB1968: Effective date is 2026-01-01. Rulemaking: Must adopt rules specifying which associated persons may receive notice of an investigation regarding a license holder. (Prior to 2026-01-01); Must prescribe the title, content, and duration (max 6 hours) of the mandatory broker responsibility course. (Prior to 2026-01-01). Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.
SB1968 establishes the following penalties: administrative penalty of License Suspension or Revocation for Failure to enter into a mandatory written agreement with a prospective buyer before showing residential property or presenting an offer.; administrative penalty of License Suspension or Revocation for Failure to honor any payment (check or otherwise) issued to the Commission within a reasonable time.. Consult with legal counsel for specific applicability to your situation.
SB1968 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.
