AdobeStock_1405973400-300x162The Texas legislature has enacted several important laws in the summer and fall of 2025 that will go into effect in 2026.

Texas business owners and HR professionals are advised to stay up to date on these new regulations, as they may directly impact your company’s compliance responsibilities. For guidance on how these changes affect your organization, contact Structure Law Group. An Austin employment law attorney can answer your specific questions and help ensure your business remains in full compliance.

Texas HB 149 Regulates Artificial Intelligence

AdobeStock_551171063-300x200The Oregon Legislature has enacted several new labor and employment laws taking effect in 2026. Employers should stay alert to ensure ongoing compliance with these changes. Below is an overview of some of the most significant new employment laws and how they may impact businesses. Because these laws can create potential liability for employers, Structure Law Group’s Portland, Oregon employment lawyers are available to advise businesses, answer questions, and provide guidance if your company wants to stay compliant or is facing employment-related disputes or litigation.

Wage Transparency Law: SB 906

In May, Oregon enacted SB 906, a payroll transparency law that takes effect on January 1, 2026. Under this law, employers must provide new hires with clear, written information explaining how compensation is calculated, what deductions may apply, and how to interpret their paystubs.

AdobeStock_1657807477-300x168As businesses in Texas grow, many consider mergers or acquisitions to scale up their operations. While these terms are frequently used together, they represent different legal processes. Understanding the distinction between a merger and an acquisition is crucial for any business, as each has its benefits and potential pitfalls. This knowledge helps make informed decisions on appropriately utilizing them for business growth.

Mergers

A merger occurs when two (or more) companies reach a mutual agreement to create a new legal entity that combines all parties’ assets, liabilities, and business operations. The post-merger entity often uses a different name than the pre-merger companies, even if it is just a combination of their names. For example, one of the most notable mergers in Texas history was that of Exxon Corporation and Mobil Corporation, which formed ExxonMobil in 1998. At the time, it was the largest merger in U.S. history.

AdobeStock_1779620824-300x164California employers will see several important changes to state employment laws beginning in 2026. Recent legislative updates affect a wide range of workplace issues, including paid leave, wage protections, and the terms permitted in employment agreements. Understanding these developments early allows businesses to plan ahead and update their policies with minimal disruption.

Below is an overview prepared by Structure Law Group’s California employment law attorneys in our Los Angeles and Silicon Valley offices.

Paid Leave for Crime Victims (California AB 406)

AdobeStock_1235286479-300x171If your Texas business is organized as a sole proprietorship or general partnership, then the law recognizes no distinction between your personal and business assets. This is why many businesses choose to organize as a corporation or limited liability company, which provides a powerful liability shield for individual owners, directors, and officers to avoid being held personally liable for the debts and legal obligations of the business.

But there are some situations where a creditor may seek to disregard the corporate liability shield and “pierce the corporate veil.” The experienced Texas business attorneys at Structure Law Group can review your corporation’s situation and advise you of the risks.

Texas Imposes a High Bar for Holding Individual Shareholders Liable

AdobeStock_301157827-300x200A limited liability company (LLC) is a type of legal entity that is neither a corporation nor a partnership. An LLC is a business owned by one or more “members” who themselves can be individuals, corporations, or some other legal entity. The LLC itself protects members from personal liability for business debts. But the actual profits and losses from the LLC are “passed through” to individual members for purposes of tax reporting.

Forming an LLC in Texas is a relatively straightforward process. It is still a good idea to work with an experienced Texas limited liability company attorney at Structure Law Group who can advise you on the steps to take when getting your business started. Depending on the specific needs and goals of your business, we can tailor a structure for your new LLC that will help set you up for success.

The Certificate of Formation

AdobeStock_180564517-300x200Every state imposes specific time limits for filing a civil lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. In Texas, it’s easy to miss a filing deadline by not adhering to these rules. This is where the guidance of an experienced Texas business litigation attorney becomes crucial. At Structure Law Group, we can inform you of the applicable statute of limitations and ensure your case is filed on time.

How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit?

It is important to understand that Texas does not have a single statute of limitations. Chapter 16 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code contains several limitations periods. Some of the more pertinent statutes that a Texas business should know about include:

AdobeStock_244469747-300x200A key step in any Texas mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transaction is signing a letter of intent (LOI). The LOI outlines the primary terms agreed upon for the proposed deal and serves as a roadmap for conducting due diligence and progressing toward a final purchase agreement and closing. The experienced Texas M&A attorneys at Structure Law Group can guide and represent you, whether you’re a buyer or seller, to ensure your best interests are thoroughly protected during LOI negotiations.

Is a Letter of Intent Binding?

In most cases, the LOI is non-binding except for a few provisions. This is because the signing of a LOI generally occurs before the buyer has a chance to conduct due diligence. So, the buyer must rely almost exclusively on the seller’s representations about the condition of its business. Few buyers would bind themselves to a binding agreement–especially with regard to a purchase price–until they have had the chance to verify these representations for themselves.

AdobeStock_554356566-300x200Business owners generally prefer to avoid court, but certain legal disputes may require litigation. For such cases, the Texas business litigation attorneys at Structure Law Group are equipped to guide you through all phases of a business lawsuit. This includes handling breach of contract cases, shareholder or partnership disputes, or allegations of unlawful employment practices. Our team will advise you of your legal rights and help develop a litigation strategy to achieve the best possible outcome.

What Happens Before Litigation Begins?

Legal disputes do not typically begin when someone files a lawsuit. Instead, they typically begin when one side sends a “demand letter” outlining how they see the dispute and how to prevent a lawsuit. For example, in a breach of contract dispute, the party alleging the breach may send a demand letter insisting on compliance with the terms of the agreement. If the other side agrees to the demand–or is at least willing to enter negotiations–that is often sufficient to avoid a lawsuit altogether.

AdobeStock_1829326087-300x169No matter how well-run your business is, legal disputes inevitably arise with customers, contractors, and even employees. However, resolving a business dispute does not necessarily mean time-consuming and costly litigation. Texas business owners can take advantage of a number of forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

Legal disputes are common in any business, affecting customer, contractor, and employee dealings. However, resolving these disputes doesn’t always require lengthy and expensive litigation. In Texas, business owners can access various alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods. Consulting a Texas business litigation lawyer can help determine if ADR is a suitable option for your specific dispute.

What Is ADR?