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# **Texas SMS/MMS Marketing Rule (SB 140) — Effective September 1, 2025**

Texas Senate Bill 140 amends the Texas “Mini-TCPA” to treat SMS and MMS marketing messages as **telemarketing calls**. This introduces new registration, timing, and enforcement rules for businesses.

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## **Who Must Comply**

You may need to comply if you:

* Send marketing text messages **to recipients in Texas**

Unless you qualify for an exemption under **Chapter 302 of the Texas Business & Commerce Code**, you must register.

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## **Registration with the Secretary of State**

Most marketers must register **before** sending marketing texts in or into Texas.

**Requirements:**

* File **Form 3401** (per business location; renew annually)
* Pay a **\$200 filing fee** (per location/per filing)
* Provide a **\$10,000 security deposit** (surety bond, letter of credit, or certificate of deposit)
* Appoint the **Secretary of State as Agent for Service** and provide the required documentation

More details and FAQs: [Texas Secretary of State FAQ](https://www.sos.state.tx.us/statdoc/faqs3400.shtml)

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## **Quiet Hours (Send-Time Restrictions)**

Texas law sets **restricted hours** for solicitation messages based on the **recipient’s local time**:

* **Monday–Saturday**: No texts between **9:00 p.m. – 9:00 a.m.**
* **Sunday**: No texts **before 12:00 p.m.** or **after 9:00 p.m.**

These restrictions come from **Chapter 301** and now apply to SMS/MMS under SB 140.

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## **Penalties & Enforcement**

Violations may result in:

* Civil penalties of **up to \$5,000 per message**
* Expanded enforcement authority
* Private legal actions

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## **Exemptions (High-Level)**

Some organizations are exempt from registration under Chapter 302, including:

* Certain messages to existing customers
* Responses to a consumer’s express request
* Organizations regulated under other laws
* Certain nonprofit and educational institutions

Review the full statute here: [Texas Business & Commerce Code Chapter 302](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/BC/htm/BC.302.htm)

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## **Quick Compliance Checklist**

* **Assess applicability**: Are you sending marketing texts to Texas recipients or from Texas?
* **Check exemptions**: Confirm with counsel if exemptions apply.
* **Register if required**: File Form 3401, pay the fee, and secure the \$10,000 bond.
* **Respect quiet hours**: Configure campaigns to comply with time restrictions.
* **Maintain records**: Keep scripts and compliance documentation per Chapter 302.

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## **FAQs**

#### Does this apply to informational or transactional texts?

SB 140 targets solicitations. Purely informational or transactional texts may fall outside.

#### We’re not based in Texas do we still need to register?

Yes, if you send marketing messages to **Texas residents**, regardless of where you operate.

#### What if I’m unsure whether recipients are in Texas?

Validate recipient location data, or exclude uncertain contacts until verified.

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## **Primary References**

* [SB 140 (Enrolled Bill)](https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00140F.pdf)
* [Telephone Solicitation Registration FAQ](https://www.sos.state.tx.us/statdoc/faqs3400.shtml)
* [Form 3401 (Registration Statement)](https://www.sos.state.tx.us/statdoc/faqs3400.shtml)
* [Texas Business & Commerce Code, Chapter 302](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/BC/htm/BC.302.htm)

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