Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4200

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to requiring certain disclosures in relation to the purchase of electronic media by consumers; providing a civil penalty.

Impact

If enacted, HB 4200 will direct electronic media platforms to amend their purchasing protocols to include the newly required disclosures. The civil penalty imposed for failure to provide such disclosure is significant, at a minimum of $7,500 per violation, which presents a strong financial incentive for compliance. The attorney general will have the authority to enforce this provision, potentially leading to a more consumer-friendly environment in digital commerce.

Summary

House Bill 4200 aims to enhance consumer protection regarding the purchase of electronic media, specifically defining how electronic media platforms must disclose terms of access to consumers. The bill mandates that platforms providing films, television programs, and video games must inform buyers that access to these products is not guaranteed indefinitely and may expire. This provision is intended to increase transparency for consumers, ensuring they are aware of the terms governing their digital purchases.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill may include concerns from electronic media platforms about the burden of implementing these regulations and altering their business models. The provision for civil penalties may also attract criticism for potentially leading to overreach or punitive practices against platforms who may inadvertently fail to comply on first offense. Stakeholders such as digital rights advocates and consumer protection groups may be divided on the effectiveness of this measure in truly improving consumer rights versus the ramifications it may have on the digital media industry.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB417

Relating to electronic device filters for certain explicit material; providing a civil penalty.

TX HB1936

Relating to electronic device filters for certain explicit material; creating a criminal offense; providing a civil penalty.

TX HB4

Relating to the regulation of the collection, use, processing, and treatment of consumers' personal data by certain business entities; imposing a civil penalty.

TX HB1844

Relating to the regulation of the collection, use, processing, and treatment of consumers' personal data by certain business entities; imposing a civil penalty.

TX SB1467

Relating to the disclosure of certain medical information by electronic means.

TX SB2105

Relating to the registration of and certain other requirements relating to data brokers; providing a civil penalty and authorizing a fee.

TX HB5272

Relating to the prohibited resale of infant formula purchased at retail; providing a civil penalty.

TX HB1181

Relating to the publication or distribution of sexual material harmful to minors on an Internet website; providing a civil penalty.

TX HB2643

Relating to the disclosure of certain medical information by electronic means.

TX HB404

Relating to requiring certain employers to provide paid leave to employees; providing civil and administrative penalties.

Similar Bills

TX HB3309

Relating to appointment of and performance of notarial acts by an electronic notary public; authorizing a fee and creating a criminal offense.

TX HB1217

Relating to appointment of and performance of notarial acts by an online notary public and online acknowledgment and proof of written instruments; authorizing a fee and creating a criminal offense.

NC S552

Modifications to Notary Public Act

CA AB1667

Electronic wills.

CA AB2961

Civil procedure: electronic filing and service.

CA AB2283

Civil actions: electronic service.

LA HB572

Provides for electronic notaries public and electronic notarial acts

CA SB666

Service of papers: electronic service by court.