Business Regulation & Occupational Licensing Archives | Texapedia

Taxes & Finance

Business Taxes in Texas

The Franchise Tax is Texas’ primary statewide business tax. Many small businesses are exempt.

Texapedia StaffMay 23, 2025

2024 Texas Business Court Judges Swearing In

Civil Law & Procedure Judiciary

Texas Business Courts

Established in 2024, the Texas Business Courts are specialized trial courts handling complex commercial litigation.

Texapedia StaffFebruary 26, 2025

Diner Payment Scene

Taxes & Finance

Sales Tax in Texas

Sales tax rates vary slightly throughout Texas, topping out at 8.25%

Texapedia StaffNovember 20, 2022

The Home Visit Oil Painting

State Agencies

Texas Medical Board

The Texas Medical Board is a regulatory agency setting medical ethics rules and handling disciplinary matters.

Texapedia StaffNovember 20, 2022

Construction in the Sunlight

State Agencies

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

TDLR issues licenses to electricians, midwives, and dozens of other professions

Texapedia StaffNovember 21, 2022

Unrecognizable elegant female in sweater counting dollar bills while sitting at wooden table with planner and pen

State Agencies

Texas State Securities Board

The mission of the Texas State Securities Board is to protect Texas investors from fraud and exploitative practices.

Texapedia StaffNovember 19, 2022

State Agencies

Texas Department of Banking

The Texas Department of Banking is a state regulatory agency that charters and supervises local banks.

Texapedia StaffNovember 18, 2022

State Agencies

Texas Credit Union Department

Credit unions are similar to banks but are nonprofit corporations. Learn how they're regulated in Texas.

Texapedia StaffNovember 18, 2022

State Agencies

Texas Department of Insurance

TDI oversees the state’s insurance industry, enforcing laws, regulating companies, and protecting consumers through licensing, investigation, and education.

Texapedia StaffNovember 19, 2022

Deceptive Trade Practices

Texas Law and Statutes

Deceptive Trade Practices Act

Learn how the DTPA protects consumers against fraud, misrepresentation, and unfair business practices. This article explains the law’s history, scope, procedures, and real-world impact.

Texapedia StaffJune 2, 2025

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The basic nature of humanity is unchanging through the ages. Politics changes, technology, the economy, the environment, culture—all change. Yet humankind tends to repeat the same follies and to forget hard-learned lessons, age after age. For this reason, the ancient book of wisdom known as Ecclesiastes observed, "What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Is there a thing of which it is said, 'See, this is new'? It has been already in the ages before us. There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of later things yet to be among those who come after” (Eccl. 1:9-11, ESV).

The study of history reminds us of the pitfalls, challenges, and triumphs of our forebears. It is not always a happy story (“All things are full of weariness," Eccles. 1:8), but it is a worthy pursuit for those seeking wisdom. History gives us not only knowledge of the past but also understanding of the present age: how it came to be, the forces that have shaped it, and insights into the nature of humanity itself.

As you explore Texas history, we invite you to imagine yourself living in another age. Try to picture yourself in the shoes of different people—leaders and common folks alike. This is how history becomes more than a ledger of events; its telling and retelling invite us to reflect, imagine, and grow.

There is no single “correct” way to read or write history. Yet beware of idealized versions of the past—simplistic, black-and-white narratives with distinct ‘good guys’ and ‘bad guys,’ often crafted for political ends. Such histories are easy to grasp and may feel morally compelling. But wisdom doesn’t necessarily come from reading history in a simple, idealized way. Instead, try grappling with nuance, search out details, ask probing questions, and consider perspectives that may not align with your own.

History need not be boring. At its best, it is a discipline that sharpens the mind, cultivates empathy, and helps us to know ourselves more deeply.

— Texapedia Staff

Texapedia is not affiliated with any political party, and the articles on this site are written in an encyclopedic tone. Yet a project like this is inherently political in a broader sense: it deals with government and civic life, and our stated mission is to equip citizens with knowledge to “reform what is lacking in their government while conserving what is good about it.”

This sounds simple enough, since we live in an age of abundant knowledge: search engines, AI chatbots, and digital repositories can provide us with reams of information on almost any topic in an instant. Yet many Americans are too distracted to take in any of it. Ours is also an age of addictive social media, viral outrage, and “bingeworthy” entertainment.

There is also a crisis of authority. Americans no longer know who to trust, what information is reliable, and how to separate noise from substance in public discourse. The information environment is chaotic and disputatious. Information is rarely presented in coherent, organized ways that provide context and detail. Instead, many Americans learn about the world around them through TikTok, Instagram reels, 100-word tweets, or cable news sound bites. The nation is more politicized than ever—yet less connected, less communal, less trusting.

Here at Texapedia, we look on these developments with concern. You can read more of our perspective in the essay Toward Civic Renewal: Recovering Sobriety in a Frivolous Age.

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