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HB 346

Relating to the fee amounts prescribed by the secretary of state for expedited commercial and business record searches or filings and the exemption from the franchise tax and certain filing fees for veteran-owned businesses.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Giovanni Capriglione and 3 co-sponsors

Texas law raises expedited business filing fees while exempting veteran-owned businesses from franchise tax and filing fees to reduce veteran startup costs.

Effective on 9/1/25
#business&commerce--general(i0050) #comptrollerofpublicaccounts(v2608) #economicdevelopment&tourismoffice #texas(v1109) #economic&industrialdevelopment--general(i0214) #fees&othernontaxrevenue--state(i0362) #labor--workforcedevelopment(i0495) #purchasing--state(i0643) #secretaryofstate(v0042) #stateagencies #boards&commissions(i0749) #workforcecommission #texas(v0470)
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Bill Summary · HB 346

Legislative bill overview

HB 346 modifies the fee structure for expedited commercial and business record searches or filings processed by the Texas Secretary of State and creates a franchise tax and filing fee exemption for veteran-owned businesses. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor in June.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects two groups: entrepreneurs seeking faster business registration services (who will face adjusted fees) and military veterans starting businesses (who gain financial advantages through tax and fee exemptions). The veteran exemption could meaningfully reduce startup costs for this demographic, while fee adjustments may impact small business owners' costs for expedited services.

Potential points of contention

  • Fee amount specificity: The bill language references "fee amounts prescribed by the secretary of state" without detailing exact dollar amounts, leaving implementation details to administrative discretion rather than legislative specification
  • Veteran business definition: The scope of what qualifies as "veteran-owned" may create ambiguity—whether ownership percentage thresholds or other operational requirements exist isn't clarified in the bill description
  • Cost burden shifting: Expedited processing fees may increase to offset revenue loss from the veteran exemption, potentially raising costs for non-veteran applicants subsidizing the exemption program

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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