Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2221

Filed
3/11/25  
Out of Senate Committee
5/5/25  
Voted on by Senate
5/8/25  
Out of House Committee
5/19/25  
Voted on by House
5/28/25  
Governor Action
6/20/25  

Caption

Relating to the filing of a fraudulent financing statement in relation to certain secured transactions; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

Impact

The bill aims to enhance the integrity of public records by facilitating the removal of fraudulent financing statements, which can otherwise hinder legitimate lending and borrowing transactions. By providing a clear legal framework for challenging false claims, SB2221 would improve the security and transparency of secured transactions in the state. Closely tied to protecting both individual property owners and the broader commercial lending environment, a successful implementation of this bill might foster confidence among lending institutions and consumers alike.

Summary

SB2221 relates to the filing of a fraudulent financing statement concerning certain secured transactions and authorizes the imposition of a fee. The legislation amends the Business & Commerce Code to establish clearer guidelines and penalties for individuals who file fraudulent financing statements. It includes provisions for identifying such statements as forged or containing material false statements, along with imposing financial liability on those found guilty of such activities. Complaints can be made by affected property owners to have false filings cleared from public records, thus restoring their rights over the affected property.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB2221 appears to be generally positive, as it garners support from various sectors concerned with fair lending practices and the accuracy of public records. Advocates argue that it will deter fraudulent behavior that harms not only individual property owners but also the market's overall safety and reliability. However, there might be concerns with the administrative aspect of filing and resolving grievances, and whether sufficient resources are allocated to enforce the new regulations effectively.

Contention

While SB2221 has received broad support, discussions may include concerns about ensuring that the law does not create undue burdens for lending institutions, particularly regulated ones. The bill's implications for filing duties, potential exposure to legal costs, and timelines for resolving disputes may require further scrutiny to prevent unintended consequences. Specifically, defining the baseline responsibilities and safeguarding against misuse of the affidavit process could emerge as points of contention in legislative discussions.

Companion Bills

TX HB5377

Identical Relating to the filing of a fraudulent financing statement in relation to certain secured transactions; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

Previously Filed As

TX HB5377

Relating to the filing of a fraudulent financing statement in relation to certain secured transactions; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

TX AB909

Financial abuse of an elder or dependent adult: fraudulent transactions: liability.

TX SB3013

Relating to the contents and filing of personal financial statements with the Texas Ethics Commission and the removal of certain information in certain statements from public view.

TX SB2677

Relating to disclosures for certain commercial sales-based financing transactions and the registration of commercial sales-based financing brokers; authorizing a fee and providing a civil penalty.

TX SB2

Modifies provisions relating to financial statements of certain local governments

TX SB1320

Financing statements: residential real property.

TX HB700

Relating to disclosures for certain commercial sales-based financing transactions, the effect of certain commercial sales-based financing contract provisions, and the registration of commercial sales-based financing brokers and providers; authorizing a fee and providing a civil penalty.

TX HB4124

Relating to the charging of swipe fees on certain electronic payment transactions; authorizing a civil penalty.

TX AB771

An act to amend Section 9502 of the Commercial Code, relating to secured transactions.

TX SB153

AN ACT relating to the prevention of harmful and fraudulent practices.

Similar Bills

MI HB4861

Elections: candidates; affidavit of identity provision for partisan office candidates; clarify. Amends sec. 558 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.558).

RI H8324

Makes a series of amendments and adds new provisions of law to address business identity theft and deceptive solicitations sent to businesses and the unauthorized formation of entities.

RI S3212

Makes a series of amendments and adds new provisions of law to address business identity theft and deceptive solicitations sent to businesses and the unauthorized formation of entities.

TX HB5377

Relating to the filing of a fraudulent financing statement in relation to certain secured transactions; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

MS SB2455

Manufactured homes; restore deleted language related to affidavit of affixation.

AZ HB2116

Small estate; affidavit; limits

PA SB1276

In dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for affidavits of can didates; in nomination of candidates, further providing for affidavits of candidates, for statement of candidates for delegates to national conventions, for Secretary of the Commonwealth to furnish county boards with list of candidates and candidates to be notified, for nominations by political bodies, for examination of nomination petitions, certificates and papers and return of rejected nomination petitions, certificates and papers and for affidavits of candidates; and, in penalties, further providing for false affidavits of candidates and for false signatures and statements in nomination petitions and papers.

PA HB1278

In dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for affidavits of can didates; in nomination of candidates, further providing for affidavits of candidates, for statement of candidates for delegates to national conventions, for Secretary of the Commonwealth to furnish county boards with list of candidates and candidates to be notified, for nominations by political bodies, for examination of nomination petitions, certificates and papers and return of rejected nomination petitions, certificates and papers and for affidavits of candidates; and, in penalties, further providing for false affidavits of candidates and for false signatures and statements in nomination petitions and papers.