Regular Session
Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis
SB243 fundamentally alters the liability landscape for agricultural producers, farm labor contractors, and commercial landlords providing migrant labor housing by shifting from a flat $200 fine to a punitive $50 per occupant, per day penalty structure. Effective September 1, 2025, the law also grants migrant workers a private right of action to sue operators directly for violations, bypassing state agency enforcement if specific conditions are met.
Sen. Peter Flores·Senate Bill·Regular Session
County Attorneys (in county of violation) • Local Authorities (via referral for immediate inspection) • Office of the Attorney General • Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA)
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:
highSignificant operational investment may be required.
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
The TDHCA must define the following terms during the rulemaking period ending March 1, 2026. Your legal counsel should monitor these definitions closely:
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
Explore more bills from this author and on related topics
Common questions about SB243
SB243 fundamentally alters the liability landscape for agricultural producers, farm labor contractors, and commercial landlords providing migrant labor housing by shifting from a flat $200 fine to a punitive $50 per occupant, per day penalty structure. Effective September 1, 2025, the law also grants migrant workers a private right of action to sue operators directly for violations, bypassing state agency enforcement if specific conditions are met.
SB243 was authored by Texas Senator Peter Flores during the Regular Session.
SB243 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.
SB243 is enforced by County Attorneys (in county of violation), Local Authorities (via referral for immediate inspection), Office of the Attorney General and Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA).
The regulatory priority for SB243 is rated as "critical". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.
The cost impact of SB243 is estimated as "high". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
SB243 addresses topics including housing, housing--general, labor, labor--agricultural workers and labor--health & safety.
Key dates for SB243: Effective date is 2025-09-01. Rulemaking: Adopt rules implementing Subchapter LL, including complaint processes, penalty schedules for repeat offenders, and relocation procedures. (2026-03-01). Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.
SB243 establishes the following penalties: civil penalty of Minimum $50 per occupant, per day for Violation of migrant labor housing facility standards (replaces previous flat $200/day penalty).; civil penalty of Variable (Escalating Schedule) for Repeated violations of the subchapter or adopted rules (schedule to be defined by TDHCA rulemaking).; civil liability penalty of Civil penalty + Attorney's Fees for Private right of action granted to migrant agricultural workers to sue operators directly if specific complaint conditions are met.. Consult with legal counsel for specific applicability to your situation.
SB243 primarily affects employers and workforce development organizations, healthcare providers and medical facilities. 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.
