Legislative Blog
J.B. Williams, J.D.
2 more bills that modify several different Codes
A Blog about 88th Legislature Laws
A Bit of Background
The following backgrounds help summarize the author's views on both the general topic: Texas and more specifically 88th Legislature Laws as it relates to that topic.
Brief Summary of Texas
Texas is truly a Republic. There are a multitude of items that to modify the state constitution must be modified. So there are times when Constitutional amendments are on the voting ballots. While I sometimes abhor the wording, the concept that all of those legally able to vote in Texas must vote on the change is a good one. And bills in Texas are generally short, making it easier for everyone to understand.
Summary of 88th Legislature Laws
The blogs here will discuss the laws passed by Congress and signed into law, as well as those, passed by Congress and approved by the voters to become law. There are a multitude of laws and each time I post blogs I will notate here the current effective date if it is different from prior blogs. I have worked my way through to the Transportation Code. The Utilities and Water Code will follow.
Blog Summary
SB 895 - money transmittals and currency exchanges
SB 1179 - dealing with civil commitments
2 more bills that modify several different Codes
Published: 2026-07-26
SB 895 - 98 pages
Cited as Money Services Modernization Act.
It's meant to protect purchasers of money services; soundness of money services businesses; and protect against drug trafficking, terrorist funding, money laundering, structuring, or related financial crimes.
They spend about 10 pages defining specific items. There are 4 pages of exemptions. It keeps confidential any information the commission gets from applicants, money services licensees, or authorized delegates, the financial statements, balance sheets. The commissioner is permitted to administer oats, subpoena witnesses, compel witness attendance, take evidence, and require document production during investigation, examination or other proceedings.
It also permits the commission to participate in multistate supervisory processes to minimize regulatory burdens. These include Conference of State Bank Supervisors, Money Transmitter Regulators Association, and other affiliates of these entities.
Money transmission businesses are required to be licensed. A currency exchange license is required to do currency exchanges. Both must submit the legal and and residence/business addresses; list of any criminal convictions in the 10 years preceding; description of the money services seeks to provide; list of authorized delegates; list of other state where they engage in similar business; information concerning any bankruptcy or receivership; sample of contract forms; sample of payment form; name and address of federally insurance depository financial institute; and any other information the commission finds is reasonably required.
The commission can require fingerprints for background checks; personal history and experience; if any time residing outside US in past 10 years then investigative background report by independent firm.
Applicants must be approved or denied in 120 days. There are rules around maintaining the license and what is required. If someone else gains control, then there must be additional items submitted.
There are reporting requirements including financial information; nationwide and state-specific money transmission transaction information; permissible investments; transaction destination. Money transmissions must be timely unless there is reasonable belief that the sender may be victim of fraud or that a crime is occurring/may occur. There are rules for refunds and fees.
SB 1179 - 39 pages
This modifies the Penal Code in regards to offenses at correctional facilities or civil commitment facilities. Acts (public lewdness) that are Class A misdemeanors become felony of third degree if they are civilly committed as a sexually violent predator. Acts of indecent exposure become felony third degree if committed by actor civilly committed for sexually violent predator. Acts of public lewdness, indecent exposure, assault become third degree felony.
Possessing a cellular phone or wireless communication device is an offense while residing in a civil commitment facility.
Employees or officers at civil commitment facilities commit an offense if they engage in deviant sexual intercourse, sexual contact, or sexual intercourse with a committed person. It is a third degree felony.
There can be calls for wellness checks to be made on a sexually violent predator who is civilly committed. First responders are not required to handle these wellness checks and cannot be sued for their refusal to do so. Referrals may be made to the Texas Civil Commitment Office.
This next portion modifies the Government Code. A family liaison officer may be used to perform office functions. They facilitate maintenance ties between the civilly committed individual and the offender's family members supporting their treatment; notify the offender regarding emergencies of their family; and assist in solving problems that may affect the permitted contact with the offender.
There are modifications to the Health and Safety Code regarding restraints and their use regarding those civilly committed. Psychoactive medications cannot be administered without patient cooperation unless there is a medication-related emergency or there is an order to the administration of the medication. There are a lengthy list of requirements to be made in order for a court to order such medication.
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