TX HB2043

Establishes the Texas Earned Wage Access Services Act, creating a regulatory framework for companies that provide workers early access to their earned but unpaid wages before their scheduled payday

Requires earned wage access providers to register with the consumer credit commissioner, pay investigation and registration fees, and maintain a $200,000 surety bond (exempts banks, credit unions, and employers offering direct early wage payments)

Mandates providers give consumers clear disclosures of all fees, offer at least one no-cost option for receiving proceeds within one business day, set default tips/gratuities at zero, and allow cancellation at any time without fees

Prohibits providers from charging late fees or interest, using credit scores for eligibility, accepting credit card payments, sharing consumer fees with employers, or using aggressive collection methods such as lawsuits, phone calls, or third-party debt collectors

Providers must reimburse consumers for overdraft or NSF fees caused by provider errors, comply with Electronic Fund Transfer Act requirements, and are explicitly excluded from being considered lenders, money transmitters, or debt collectors under state law