October 24, 2025
In This Issue:
- In Memoriam: Longtime Industry Lobbyist Randy Lee
- Early Voting Started This Week for Nov. 4 Election. Ballot Includes Constitutional Amendments Related to Property Taxes.
- ICYMI: TLTA Participates in TREC Broker Lawyer Committee Meeting re: Standard Contract Change Related to New FinCEN Reporting Rule
- Compliance Reminder: Guaranty Fee Reports Due Nov. 1 - Failure to Submit Could Lead to TDI Enforcement
In Memoriam: Longtime Industry Lobbyist Randy Lee
TLTA | Oct. 24, 2025
We are saddened to share the news that industry stalwart Randy Lee passed away on Wednesday. He served for many years as a dedicated lobbyist and trusted advocate for the title industry.
Reflecting on Randy's life and service, TLTA CEO Leslie Midgley said, “Randy was a passionate and devoted advocate for our industry and a longtime cherished friend to so many of us. He had a heart as big as his beloved Texas and approached life and work with equal fervor. Above all, he loved his family, and our hearts are with them at this terribly sad time. Godspeed, Randy, and thank you for the impact you made and the passion you brought to every endeavor.”
We keep in our thoughts and hearts all of Randy’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. As details regarding memorial arrangements become available, we will share them on TLTA's site, here in Dateline, or via our Downdate publication.
Early Voting Started This Week for Nov. 4 Election. Ballot Includes Constitutional Amendments Related to Property Taxes.
TLTA | Oct. 23, 2025
Early voting for the Nov. 4 election started this week and will continue through Oct. 31.
Seventeen proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution are on the ballot. These propositions were approved by lawmakers during the legislative sessions held earlier this year, but Texas voters have final say in the amendments' adoption.
Property Tax-related Amendments on the Ballot
Proposition 13 would increase the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000.
Proposition 11 would increase the homestead exemption for people over 65 and disabled Texans to $200,000.
Proposition 9 would boost the business personal property tax exemption for businesses' equipment and inventory from $25,000 to $125,000.
Other proposition on the ballot include property tax reductions for the surviving spouses of veterans, for owners whose homes are destroyed by fire, and for property owners whose land is used for border security infrastructure.
You can review all of the constitutional amendments on the ballot in this
resource from Texas Legislative Council.
Special Election for Texas Senate District 9
Voters in Fort Worth will also decide who fill Senate District 9 formerly served by now-Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock. The winner of this special election will serve for the remainder of Hancock’s term, then run for the seat again in the 2026 primaries.
Where and when to vote can be found on the
Texas Secretary of State's site.
ICYMI: TLTA Participates in TREC Broker Lawyer Committee Meeting re: Standard Contract Change Related to New FinCEN Reporting Rule
TLTA | Oct. 16, 2025
The Texas Real Estate Commission's Broker Lawyer Committee met Oct. 10 to discuss suggested changes to the residential real estate standard contract related to the U.S. Department of Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) Final Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule, which will require reports to be submitted beginning March 1, 2026. TLTA was grateful for the opportunity to participate in TREC's discussion.
Review TLTA's Recommendation Letter »
TLTA Editor's Note: While enforcement of this rule was delayed from its original implementation date end of this year, TLTA is working with TREC and other partners to ensure mechanisms are in place to smooth implementation of this new reporting requirement for title agents.
You can learn more about the new rule and its delayed enforcement date in the article below. Our 2-hour compliance clinic will help you prepare to submit your report in less than 5 months.
Compliance Reminder: Guaranty Fee Reports Due Nov. 1 - Failure to Submit Could Lead to TDI Enforcement
TLTA | Oct. 16, 2025
Guaranty Fee reports for the third quarter of 2025 are due to TTIGA Nov. 1. Failure to submit reports could result in enforcement action from TDI.
Remittance Forms and Other Guaranty Fee Info »