February 5, 2026

In This Issue:

  • Lt. Gov. Patrick issues first round of Texas Senate interim charges on property taxes and more
  • New TDI Commissioner Crawford started Feb. 3
  • Don't miss TLTA's special compliance clinic next week re: new FinCEN residential real estate reporting rules effective March 1
  • Elections: Update on recent special elections and look ahead to upcoming primaries
  • New TDHCA proposals re: Uniform Multifamily Rules, Direct Loans

Lt. Gov. Patrick issues first round of Texas Senate interim charges on property taxes and more

TLTA | Feb. 5, 2026

Last week Lt. Gov. Patrick issued the first round of Texas Senate interim charges, with a promise of additional charges to come. And the Texas House will soon release their own interim charges.

Interim charges direct legislative committees to research issues and make recommendations for lawmakers to consider as they prepare for the next legislative session (the Texas Legislature will convene again in January 2027). Recommendations produced by committees as part of this interim charge process often become legislation filed during the legislative session.

Read the Lt. Gov.'s statement on his intentions and plans »
Review the first five Senate charges on property taxes and more »

New TDI Commissioner Crawford started Feb. 3

TLTA | Nov. 5, 2026

As reported in a recent edition of Dateline, Gov. Abbott has appointed Amanda Crawford to serve as the new Commissioner of Insurance. Commissioner Crawford started in her new role Feb. 3, and TLTA has formally reached out to welcome her and schedule a meeting to introduce her to our industry. We're excited to work with the new commissioner on behalf of the Texas consumers we all serve together. 

Learn more about Commissioner Crawford in Gov. Abbott's announcement of your appointment »
Read TDI's announcement that she started her new role Feb. 3 »

Don't miss TLTA's special compliance clinic next week re: new FinCEN residential real estate reporting rules effective March 1. Only 16 business days remain before the new requirements are implemented. Are you ready?

TLTA | Feb. 4, 2026

FinCEN's GTO reporting is being expanded to all markets nationwide, requiring new reporting for certain all-cash residential real estate transfers. The new reporting requirements are scheduled to be implemented March 1. Learn more here.

Compliance Clinic next week, Feb. 11. Register now and stay in compliance.

TLTA is hosting a 2-hour compliance clinic that builds on prior TLTA training and focuses on applying the new rule using the most current FinCEN materials. Presenters will walk through how to identify reportable transactions, confirm the reporting person, and complete the Real Estate Report using real-world examples. The session will also address common exemptions and exclusions, operational decision points, and updated guidance affecting workflows, data collection, and reporting timelines.

This clinic is designed for title professionals who want clarity and confidence heading into March—whether you are finalizing internal procedures, training staff, or pressure-testing how the rule will impact day-to-day closings.

FinCEN Real Estate Reporting Rule: Final Prep Before March 1 Effective Date
Next week, Wednesday, February 11
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
CE: 2 hours Escrow/MCLE

Elections: Update on recent special elections and look ahead to upcoming primaries

TLTA | Feb. 2, 2026

Your TLTA Advocacy Team continues tracking and engaging in elections at the state and federal levels. See below for updates on recent special elections and the upcoming primaries.

Rehment wins Texas Senate District 9 special election runoff to fulfil remainder of former Sen. Hancock's term

Both candidates will face each other again during the general election in November. The winner of that contest in November will serve SD 9 when the Texas Legislature convenes for their 90th Session January 2027.

Menefee wins special election to complete Sylvester Turner’s term in CD 18

Both candidate will face each other again in the March 3 primary for a redrawn version of the district.

Early voting for primary elections begins Feb. 17

Early voting for the upcoming primary elections begins in a little less than two weeks. You can learn more about the candidates on your ballot in this resource from the Texas Tribune (scroll down and enter your address where directed). Your county election office may offer a similar resource.

Your advocacy team at TLTA remains engaged in the primary races and will continue reporting as the election progresses. If you have questions about the candidates on your ballot and their relationship with the real estate industry, please contact TLTA Vice President of Government Relations and Counsel Aaron Day.

New TDHCA proposals re: Uniform Multifamily Rules, Direct Loans

Texas Register | Feb. 3, 2026

In last week's edition of the Texas Register, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs offered the following proposals related to Uniform Multifamily Rules:

UNIFORM MULTIFAMILY RULES

MULTIFAMILY DIRECT LOAN RULE