# Compliance Guidelines for Messaging Services > **Source**: [SMS-Magic](https://docs.sms-magic.com/compliance-guidelines-for-messaging-services) > >

Discover Difference Messaging Compliance like 10DLC, DLT, Privacy Laws

## Browse Collection 1. [Being Messaging Compliant with Australia’s Data Privacy Laws](https://docs.sms-magic.com/compliance-guidelines-for-messaging-services/DYiBxmp7RtE-being-messaging-compliant-with-australia-s-data-privacy-laws.md) (Article) 2. [Texas SMS/MMS Marketing Rule (SB 140)](https://docs.sms-magic.com/compliance-guidelines-for-messaging-services/texas-sms-mms-marketing-rule-sb-140.md) (Article) 3. [10 DLC Guide](https://docs.sms-magic.com/compliance-guidelines-for-messaging-services/U1G6MtKSMeQ-10-dlc-guide.md) (Article) 4. [DLT Phase 2 Notification for Content Templates Registration](https://docs.sms-magic.com/compliance-guidelines-for-messaging-services/q6M3vhFDrxc-dlt-phase-2-notification-for-content-templates-registration.md) (Article) 5. [Process for onboarding New customers in India for SMS](https://docs.sms-magic.com/compliance-guidelines-for-messaging-services/KYxhWo05vOI-process-for-onboarding-new-customers-in-india-for-sms.md) (Article) 6. [Entity Registration under New Regulation of TRAI (DLT) in India](https://docs.sms-magic.com/compliance-guidelines-for-messaging-services/ajbuLxOBIPY-entity-registration-under-new-regulation-of-trai-dlt-in-india.md) (Article) 7. [Important Announcement](https://docs.sms-magic.com/compliance-guidelines-for-messaging-services/oK1QK5kj5dE-important-announcement.md) (Article) 8. [DLT ](https://docs.sms-magic.com/compliance-guidelines-for-messaging-services/XDPxYgcIMnk-dlt.md) (Article) 9. [Template Registration on DLT Platform, Deadline - 25th Sept 2020](https://docs.sms-magic.com/compliance-guidelines-for-messaging-services/Lg8WLlae7KM-template-registration-on-dlt-platform-deadline-25th-sept-2020.md) (Article) 10. [10DLC US A2P](https://docs.sms-magic.com/compliance-guidelines-for-messaging-services/tq130UETubs-10dlc-us-a2p.md) (Article) 11. [10DLC US A2P Pricing & Fees](https://docs.sms-magic.com/compliance-guidelines-for-messaging-services/8NhMxMkMuE8-10dlc-us-a2p-pricing-fees.md) (Article) 12. [Toll Free Message Verification - USA](https://docs.sms-magic.com/compliance-guidelines-for-messaging-services/LevU54mPrhw-toll-free-message-verification-usa.md) (Article) --- # ARTICLE: Texas SMS/MMS Marketing Rule (SB 140) ## METADATA - id: XAJIh8bljpMHzpC1GS4pNw - type: article - source: SMS-Magic - content_url: https://docs.sms-magic.com/compliance-guidelines-for-messaging-services/texas-sms-mms-marketing-rule-sb-140 - collection_url: https://docs.sms-magic.com/compliance-guidelines-for-messaging-services ## CONTENT # **Texas SMS/MMS Marketing Rule (SB 140) — Effective September 1, 2025** Texas Senate Bill 140 amends the Texas “Mini-TCPA” to treat SMS and MMS marketing messages as **telemarketing calls**. This introduces new registration, timing, and enforcement rules for businesses. --- ## **Who Must Comply** You may need to comply if you: - Send marketing text messages **to recipients in Texas** Unless you qualify for an exemption under **Chapter 302 of the Texas Business & Commerce Code**, you must register. --- ## **Registration with the Secretary of State** Most marketers must register **before** sending marketing texts in or into Texas. **Requirements:** - File **Form 3401** (per business location; renew annually) - Pay a **$200 filing fee** (per location/per filing) - Provide a **$10,000 security deposit** (surety bond, letter of credit, or certificate of deposit) - Appoint the **Secretary of State as Agent for Service** and provide the required documentation More details and FAQs: [Texas Secretary of State FAQ](https://www.sos.state.tx.us/statdoc/faqs3400.shtml) --- ## **Quiet Hours (Send-Time Restrictions)** Texas law sets **restricted hours** for solicitation messages based on the **recipient’s local time**: - **Monday–Saturday**: No texts between **9:00 p.m. – 9:00 a.m.** - **Sunday**: No texts **before 12:00 p.m.** or **after 9:00 p.m.** These restrictions come from **Chapter 301** and now apply to SMS/MMS under SB 140. --- ## **Penalties & Enforcement** Violations may result in: - Civil penalties of **up to $5,000 per message** - Expanded enforcement authority - Private legal actions --- ## **Exemptions (High-Level)** Some organizations are exempt from registration under Chapter 302, including: - Certain messages to existing customers - Responses to a consumer’s express request - Organizations regulated under other laws - Certain nonprofit and educational institutions Review the full statute here: [Texas Business & Commerce Code Chapter 302](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/BC/htm/BC.302.htm) --- ## **Quick Compliance Checklist ** - **Assess applicability**: Are you sending marketing texts to Texas recipients or from Texas? - **Check exemptions**: Confirm with counsel if exemptions apply. - **Register if required**: File Form 3401, pay the fee, and secure the $10,000 bond. - **Respect quiet hours**: Configure campaigns to comply with time restrictions. - **Maintain records**: Keep scripts and compliance documentation per Chapter 302. --- ## **FAQs** **Does this apply to informational or transactional texts?** SB 140 targets solicitations. Purely informational or transactional texts may fall outside. **We’re not based in Texas do we still need to register?** Yes, if you send marketing messages to **Texas residents**, regardless of where you operate. **What if I’m unsure whether recipients are in Texas?** Validate recipient location data, or exclude uncertain contacts until verified. --- ## **Primary References** - [SB 140 (Enrolled Bill)](https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00140F.pdf) - [Telephone Solicitation Registration FAQ](https://www.sos.state.tx.us/statdoc/faqs3400.shtml) - [Form 3401 (Registration Statement)](https://www.sos.state.tx.us/statdoc/faqs3400.shtml) - [Texas Business & Commerce Code, Chapter 302](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/BC/htm/BC.302.htm) ---