Texas Business & Commerce Code — State Law

The Texas Business & Commerce Code is the state's official rulebook for doing business here. It covers everything from buying goods and writing checks to consumer protections and fair trade practices. You can read the full text for free on the state's official statutes website.

The Code is organized into major topic areas. Title 1 adopts the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) — a set of business laws used across the country — and covers sales, leases, bank deposits, and secured transactions (using property as collateral for a loan). Other sections address the Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA), trademarks, consumer credit reporting, telephone solicitation, and electronic transactions. The rules apply to small businesses, nonprofits, and large corporations alike.

Use the official statutes website to search by topic or chapter. If you're a consumer, look up sections on the Deceptive Trade Practices Act to understand your rights. If you run a business, review the sales or contract chapters before signing agreements. Because laws get updated, always confirm you're reading the current version. For anything involving your specific situation, a licensed attorney can help you apply the law correctly.

No fixed date

Not location-specific

This resource connects to everyday Houston life — from buying goods at a local shop to signing a lease for your business space. Understanding these laws can also help you recognize when a trade practice crosses a legal line, and where to start if you need to take action.

Whether you run a small business, shop as a consumer, or work in a professional field, these laws affect you. They set the ground rules for contracts, sales, credit, and fair dealing across Texas. Knowing where to find them puts you in a stronger position when questions come up.