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Texas SB 140: What U.S Businesses Need to Know About New SMS Law
If your business sends text messages to recipients in Texas, a major new regulation will soon apply to you. Beginning September 1, 2025, Texas Senate Bill 140 (SB 140) goes into effect, expanding the state’s “Mini-TCPA” to include SMS, MMS, and RCS messaging.
Even if your company is based outside Texas, compliance may be required when reaching Texas consumers.
What’s changing under Texas SB 140
Here are the key updates businesses should prepare for:
Text messages now defined as telemarketing
Historically, Texas telemarketing law addressed unsolicited calls. With SB 140, marketing texts—including SMS, MMS, and RCS—are now officially included.
Quiet hours extended to text messages
Quiet hours already exist in Texas Business and Commercial Code for phone calls. Now. businesses also cannot send unsolicited or promotional text messages during restricted times.
Business registration requirement
Many businesses must register with the Texas Secretary of State, pay an annual $200 fee, and submit a $10,000 security deposit to operate legally.
Exemptions
Some businesses may not need to register. See the full list of exemptions in the regulatory code section.
Risks for non-compliance
For qualifying companies, the consequences are serious if you don’t comply with Texas’ new requirements after they’ve gone into effect on Sept 1, 2025.
This means non-compliance could result in fines of up to $5,000 per violation and also costly lawsuits from private individuals, which this law allows them to bring forth.
How MessageMedia helps businesses stay compliant
Navigating compliance requirements doesn’t have to be overwhelming. MessageMedia offers solutions to help businesses manage:
- Consent management and record-keeping
- Automated quiet-hour enforcement across time zones
- Audience segmentation features
- Comprehensive compliance reporting
Our experts are available 24/7 to help your business navigate MessageMedia’s messaging features. Simply start a chat or contact us.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please seek professional legal guidance to understand how these rules may apply to your business.
