TX HB957

Allows certain borrowers to close home equity loans remotely instead of requiring physical presence at a lender's office, attorney's office, or title company

Eligible borrowers for remote closing include active duty military members, U.S. Public Health Service officers, military spouses/surviving spouses, federal civilian employees serving with armed forces abroad, individuals with disabilities preventing travel (verified by physician letter), and those who are incarcerated or under house arrest

Permits remote closings via remote online notarization or through an agent with durable power of attorney who appears in person on the borrower's behalf

Updates the statutory durable power of attorney form to explicitly include home equity loan transactions under real property powers and references the new exception under Section 343.302 of the Finance Code

Takes effect January 1, 2026, contingent on voter approval of a related constitutional amendment proposed by the 89th Legislature authorizing these exceptions to in-person closing requirements