Sec. 5.256. ATTORNEY GENERAL INVESTIGATION AND DISCOVERY; SECRETARY OF STATE INTERROGATORIES AND RECORDS.

256 words·~1 min read·/tx/property-code/title-2-conveyances/chapter-5-conveyances/subchapter-a-general-provisions/5-256·

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

(a)The attorney general may conduct discovery to investigate a potential action under Section 5.255 or in an action brought under Section 5.255 , including by:

(1)petitioning for an order authorizing the taking of a deposition under Rule 202, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure; or

(2)if the attorney general has reason to believe that a person may be in possession, custody, or control of any documentary material or other evidence or may have any information relevant to an investigation of a suspected violation of Section 5.253 , issuing in writing and serving on the person a civil investigative demand requiring the person to:

(A)produce any of the documentary material for inspection and copying;

(B)answer in writing any written interrogatories;

(C)give oral testimony; or

(D)provide any combination of civil investigative demands under Paragraph (A), (B), or (C).

(b)The secretary of state shall on request by the attorney general:

(1)serve interrogatories on an individual or entity as necessary to determine the ownership or control of an organization that is the subject of an action by the attorney general under Section 5.255 ; and

(2)provide to the attorney general all records held by the secretary relating to the ownership or control of an organization that is the subject of an action by the attorney general under Section 5.255 .

Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 956 (S.B. 17 ), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2025.