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10/9/26, 4:07 PM

TRLA offers legal help to flood victims | 2026flood | dailytimes.com

https://dailytimes.com/2026flood/trla-offers-legal-help-to-flood-victims/article_50fb624d-bda6-40b0-b19d1d6ab2605099.html FEATURED

TRLA offers legal help to flood victims Nancy Foster Special to The Times Aug 19, 2026 1 of 2

TRLA team gathered for the Community Open House at the Doyle Community Center on August 17. From left, first row: Hannah Ellis - Team Manager, Brittany Gomez - Team manager, Josie Rodriguez - Paralegal Second row: Karina Garza, Public Relations Manager, Nyla Aguilera - Outreach Specialist. Nancy Foster

What does it mean for people who walk away from a natural disaster with just the clothes they have on? Most people are thankful just to have survived, but then reality hits: ”I have nothing. Nothing to prove who✕I am, where I live, my driver’s license, my credit card, my phone, nothing. What do I do?” Help is at hand, and one organization with the skill set to handle this is Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid. -30% Off

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10/9/26, 4:07 PM

TRLA offers legal help to flood victims | 2026flood | dailytimes.com

TRLA, as it is commonly known, was founded in 1970 and is one of the nation’s largest legal aid providers, primarily assisting low-income Texans who lack access to civil legal representation. It provides legal services to 68 Texas counties. They are funded primarily by Legal Services Corporation, the federal agency that provides financial resources to legal aid organizations throughout the U.S., and by the Texas Access to Justice Foundation. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit also receives grants from various federal, state, and local agencies, foundations and corporations. TRLA deployed disaster attorneys, paralegals and outreach specialists to the affected Central Texas communities within days of the 2025 flood. Advocates attended food drives, community events, and were stationed primarily at Disaster Recovery Centers. The TRLA Kerrville office officially opened in August 2025 after securing a location at the Doyle Community Center. Kerrville resident Cindy Estrada is a full-time legal aid paralegal and is backed by a resourceful off-site team whenever needed. Her job is challenging and rewarding at the same time. Although she’s the sole person physically in Kerrville, she can draw on an entire disaster response team. This team includes an attorney team manager, a project coordinator, an outreach specialist and five paralegals. Karina Garza, the Austin-based public relations manager for TRLA, was on hand along with other team members for the Community Open House at the Doyle Center to mark their first anniversary in Kerrville. All professionals, they were there to answer questions and direct people to any assistance they might be eligible for. Just the packet of information alone, available in both English and Spanish, is a gold mine. Garza detailed three basic categories as it relates to legal needs after a disaster. The short-term category, covering one to six weeks after the event, included how to replace documents, apply for loans and FEMA assistance, apply for unemployment, Medicaid, SSI and other benefits. The second phase, one to six months after the disaster, covered such topics as how to handle evictions and private lease terminations, renew rent subsidies from FEMA or HUD, appeal FEMA assistance denials, clear property titles, handle repair contractor scams and foreclosure prevention. Long-term needs stretch from six months to years after the event and cover such financial issues as bankruptcies, disaster tax relief, disputes regarding home elevation certificates and floodplain zoning, and foreclosures. Each stage is important, Garza said, explaining that one of the biggest early issues is replacing lost documents.

https://dailytimes.com/2026flood/trla-offers-legal-help-to-flood-victims/article_50fb624d-bda6-40b0-b19d-1d6ab2605099.html

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10/9/26, 4:07 PM

TRLA offers legal help to flood victims | 2026flood | dailytimes.com

“We saw so many survivors who lost all their documents necessary to function and get assistance. Our attorneys can work with government agencies and existing public records, such as from the IRS, to obtain birth records and other electronic records to piece together enough information to replace lost documents.” “We also provide a form to anyone who needs help recovering their most important documents,” she said. “We direct people in the steps to take to recover birth or death certificates, marriage licenses or divorce decrees, vehicle titles, Texas driver’s license, green cards, Social Security cards, Medicaid cards, and military service records.” She said it is a process, but it does lead to success. In the cases where the person does not yet have a permanent home, the documents are mailed to the Kerrville office where they can be picked up. Having someone in Kerrville where people can meet face-to-face helps establish trust, particularly after a disaster, Garza said. “Those in-person meetings often lead in a different direction. Someone may come in about a house title problem and during the discussion, we may discover they need food, clothing or temporary housing. We’re here to direct them to programs they may be eligible for.” Their document toolkit also provides direction on what to do with flooded vehicles, including financial responsibility if insurance coverage isn’t sufficient to pay what is owed the lender, what to do if a vehicle is washed away or is missing, and whether to file a flood damage claim. A document on property loss claims provides guidance on the types of losses covered by most insurance companies, whether it’s worth making a claim for furnishings, how to prove losses, and how to handle homeowners insurance claims. Garza said they’ve had many issues of fraud and scams and warns consumers to be wary of anything suspicious. “We outline what you should watch out for if a contractor or repair person approaches you that you’re not familiar with," Garza said. "We tell you what questions to ask and how to fully understand any contract that is presented to you. The financial aspect is important. You don’t want to wind up getting locked into an agreement that isn’t reputable or having a contractor put a lien against your home. Make sure you know your legal rights. We can help guide you through that.” https://dailytimes.com/2026flood/trla-offers-legal-help-to-flood-victims/article_50fb624d-bda6-40b0-b19d-1d6ab2605099.html

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10/9/26, 4:07 PM

TRLA offers legal help to flood victims | 2026flood | dailytimes.com

Another topic they guide people through is how to process flood claims, a tedious and laborintensive task but so important. By now, people should have filed their claims, but if not, the advice is to photograph inside and outside damage before beginning cleanup, then make a list of items lost or damaged. The TRLA staff can help flood victims prepare a proof of loss statement, which must be filed with your insurer within 60 days of the flood. A sobering fact is that there are still flood survivors from 2025 who need help and don’t realize what they’re eligible for. “Through outreach, social media, press releases and events like this, we do our best to get the word out, but we still know we’re not reaching everyone,” Garza said. The 2025 and 2026 floods presented similar needs but different circumstances. In 2025, they were dispatched to Kerrville not really knowing the area but ready to act as a resource. In 2026, the calls have not come in as steadily as they did in 2025, but TRLA continues its efforts to help. Estrada had flooding at her own home, yet she continued to work assisting the community with their legal issues. Like many others in similar service industries, she recognized many had needs greater than hers and downplayed her own damages. Estrada said the open house was a success. She spent most of the afternoon conducting intake interviews. Garza hopes more people in need will learn about TRLA's services. “We just want people to know if they’re uncertain about a document or a legal issue, our services are free for those who qualify. Anyone in need can find a wealth of information on our website, www.trla.org, but we welcome personal contacts. We may not be able to handle every problem, but the first step is asking. Call us at (956) 996-8752 or come by the Doyle Community Center at 110 W. Barnett St., Kerrville,” she said.

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https://dailytimes.com/2026flood/trla-offers-legal-help-to-flood-victims/article_50fb624d-bda6-40b0-b19d-1d6ab2605099.html

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10/9/26, 4:06 PM

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Texas RioGrande Legal Aid opens new office in San Antonio

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Texas RioGrande Legal Aid resumes in-person services in San Antonio by Jasper Kenzo Sundeen 3 minute read September 25, 2026

The Texas RioGrande Legal Aid office is located at 9501 Console Drive in San Antonio. Credit: Amber Esparza / San Antonio Report

One of the largest legal aid nonprofits in the state is bringing in-person services back to Bexar County.

https://sanantonioreport.org/texas-riogrande-legal-aid-nonprofit-resumes-in-person-services-san-antonio/

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10/9/26, 4:06 PM

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid opens new office in San Antonio

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid opened its new offices Thursday in Northwest San Antonio. Between the COVID-19 pandemic and issues with its previous office space, officials at the nonprofit said its many attorneys had been primarily offering its free legal services virtually or offsite. Now, the low-income San Antonio residents the organization serves will have another avenue to seek help. “This was a long time coming. We’ve been out of the office for far too long,” said Executive Director Robert Doggett to several of TRLA’s staff on Thursday.

Executive Director Robert Doggett at the Texas RioGrande Legal Aid office in San Antonio on Sept. 24, 2026. Credit: Amber Esparza / San Antonio Report

“The best way to get to know a client and develop a relationship is in person,” he added. The legal aid nonprofit covers 68 counties, from El Paso to Corpus Christi, and served more than 15,000 clients last year. That includes two major metro areas: Austin and San Antonio. Bexar County is its busiest location, https://sanantonioreport.org/texas-riogrande-legal-aid-nonprofit-resumes-in-person-services-san-antonio/

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10/9/26, 4:06 PM

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid opens new office in San Antonio

Doggett said. TRLA offers civil legal aid. The state provides legal representation in criminal cases, but not in civil cases, which includes family law, foreclosure and eviction practices. That’s where TRLA steps in, using state and federal funding to help the state’s lowest income residents. “We can’t take every case,” Doggett said. “But we try to prioritize what the community thinks we need to prioritize.” He added that the new office on Console Road, near the intersection of Wurzbach Road and U.S. Interstate 10, would welcome potential clients. “Many places [in Texas], we’ve been in the location for many, many years and they know where to go,” Doggett said “We’re hopeful people know where to go when they require civil legal aid.” The new office will be open from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Julia Raney Rodriguez, TRLA’s director of client services, said virtual connections will still be available. Since 2020, much of TRLA’s initial contact with clients has been over the phone or email, she said, though inperson services returned briefly after the pandemic.

https://sanantonioreport.org/texas-riogrande-legal-aid-nonprofit-resumes-in-person-services-san-antonio/

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10/9/26, 4:06 PM

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid opens new office in San Antonio

Credit: Amber Esparza / San Antonio Report

“Clients like to reach us a number of different ways,” she said. “Having the doors open makes it clear we’re here, but we’ve always been available.” Returning in-person services just gives clients another option, she added. Family law, domestic violence protections and evictions tend to be the most in-demand case types, Raney Rodriguez said. In some of those cases with quick deadlines and short turnarounds, like evictions, having in-person services helps attorneys and clients respond more quickly to issues. Raney Rodriguez said the services ultimately depend on the client’s needs. “We serve you equally no matter how you come to us,” she said.

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10/9/26, 4:06 PM

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid opens new office in San Antonio

https://sanantonioreport.org/texas-riogrande-legal-aid-nonprofit-resumes-in-person-services-san-antonio/

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10/9/26, 4:06 PM

Life After Divorce: Resources for Single Moms in El Paso | El Paso Mom

Life After Divorce: Resources for Single Moms in El Paso By Alexis Marez - September 30, 2026 Becoming a single mother after divorce can feel overwhelming. Suddenly, you may have to make decisions about housing, childcare, finances, school, health care, and parenting while also adjusting emotionally to the end of a marriage. The good news is you don’t have to navigate this transition alone. El Paso and Texas offer programs that can help single mothers find food assistance, childcare, legal support, employment resources, housing assistance, and help with child support.

Understanding what happens after divorce is also important. A divorce decree does more than officially end a marriage. When children are involved, it can establish custody, visitation, child support, medical support, and other responsibilities. TexasLawHelp explains that divorce can formalize custody, support, and how property and debts are handled.

What Happens After a Divorce? One of the first things a newly divorced mother should do is obtain and safely store a certified copy of the Final Decree of Divorce and any other court orders. You may need these documents for schools, government agencies, child support, health insurance, or other important matters. It may also be helpful to create a secure folder containing:

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10/9/26, 4:06 PM

Life After Divorce: Resources for Single Moms in El Paso | El Paso Mom

Your Final Decree of Divorce

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Custody and visitation orders Child-support orders and payment records Birth certificates Social Security cards Health and dental insurance information School and medical records Property, debt, and financial documents Emergency contact information

Understanding Custody and Parenting Orders in Texas If children are involved, the divorce decree generally addresses conservatorship, possession and access, and child support. In Texas, many parents are named Joint Managing Conservators, but that does not necessarily mean children spend exactly half their time with each parent. One parent may have the right to establish the child’s primary residence and receive child support.

Applying for Child Support Services Child support can become one of the most important financial resources for a single mother. Texas child support orders may address child support as well as medical and dental support. The amount can depend on factors such as the paying parent’s income, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses. The Texas Office of the Attorney General’s Child Support Division can help eligible parents: Establish paternity Establish child-support orders Collect and distribute payments Enforce existing orders Locate a parent Review certain cases for possible modification Address medical and dental support

El Paso County Domestic Relations Office In El Paso, the El Paso County Domestic Relations Office also provides services related to child support, medical support, visitation, and parenting after divorce. Its stated goal is to help

English https://elpasomom.com/in-around-el-paso/life-after-divorce-resources-for-single-moms-in-el-paso/

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10/9/26, 4:06 PM

Life After Divorce: Resources for Single Moms in El Paso | El Paso Mom

families succeed after divorce or separation. Some services require a final court order and may involve fees. Contact the office directly to determine which services apply to your case.

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Custody and Visitation After divorce, parenting arrangements can sometimes be one of the most difficult adjustments. A court order establishes each parent’s rights and responsibilities. Parents can sometimes agree to schedule changes, but if they cannot, they generally must follow the existing court-ordered schedule. If circumstances substantially change later, a parent may be able to request a modification of custody, visitation, or child support. TexasLawHelp explains when and how to change existing orders.

Free and Low-Cost Legal Resources Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid 1331 Texas Ave. Texas RioGrande Legal Aid provides free civil legal services to eligible low-income Texans. Its practice areas include family law, housing, public benefits, and other civil matters. TRLA has an office in El Paso, but services are based on eligibility, available resources, and the legal issues involved.

TexasLawHelp Another valuable resource that provides free information, forms, and step-by-step guides for Texas residents handling certain family-law matters. Its divorce resources include instructions for divorces involving children, custody, visitation, and child support. Because family-law situations can become complicated, especially when there is disagreement over custody, property, finances, or family violence, getting individualized legal advice can be important.

Food and Financial Assistance A newly single mother may qualify for government assistance depending on household income and circumstances.

Texas Health and Human Services connects eligible Texans with programs such as SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, CHIP, and WIC. The state directs applicants to Your Texas Benefits to apply for many of these programs. For mothers with young children, WIC can provide nutritional assistance and breastfeeding support. In El Paso, local WIC services include La Fe WIC and other WIC locations throughout the community. https://elpasomom.com/in-around-el-paso/life-after-divorce-resources-for-single-moms-in-el-paso/

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10/9/26, 4:06 PM

Life After Divorce: Resources for Single Moms in El Paso | El Paso Mom

Community organizations also offer food assistance. Mi Comunidad Center in El Paso provides family-oriented services, including food assistance and youth programming.

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Food pantries across El Paso can also help your family. Society St. Vincent De Paul Our Lady of Guadalupe Project Vida El Pasoans Fighting Hunger

Childcare Assistance for Working and Student Mothers Childcare can be one of the biggest expenses for a single parent. Fortunately, Texas provides childcare scholarships for eligible families. The Texas Workforce Commission’s Child Care Services program can help eligible parents who are working, looking for work, attending school, or participating in job training. Texas Child Care Connection for Families can also help parents search for childcare providers by location, program type, and children’s ages.

Housing and Utility Assistance Maintaining stable housing can become especially important after divorce.

Project BRAVO, an El Paso Community Action Program, offers assistance designed to help families work toward economic independence. Its programs include utility assistance for eligible households and connections to health, career, and other community resources. Income-based apartments are also available across El Paso; some include utilities. Find a list here. Single mothers should also consider calling 211 Texas. The Texas Workforce Commission 2-1-1 is a free and confidential resource that can connect Texans with food, housing, childcare, crisis counseling, and other services. There are also assistance programs for Electric, Gas, and Water utility services where individuals can enroll in Budget Planning or Payment arrangements. El Paso Electric El Paso Water AguaCares Texas Gas Service

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10/9/26, 4:06 PM

Life After Divorce: Resources for Single Moms in El Paso | El Paso Mom

Parenting and Family Support in El Paso

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Divorce affects children as well as parents. Parenting education, counseling, and family support can help families adjust to new routines. The El Paso Center for Children operates family-focused programs, including a Family Resource Center that provides parent education, child-development activities, resource information, and connections to community services. The El Paso HOPES program also focuses on early childhood and family support, including parenting education and connections to community resources. Transitional living centers and shelters across El Paso also offer assistance. La Posada Home Annunciation House Reynolds Home YWCA

If Domestic Violence Was Part of the Marriage If a divorce involves domestic violence, safety should come before ordinary co-parenting arrangements. The Center Against Sexual and Family Violence in El Paso provides crisis intervention, advocacy, and longer-term support for people affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. Its services include a Family Resource Center and support for survivors. Texas’ Office of the Attorney General also provides information about obtaining child support safely for survivors of family violence. El Paso County Victim Services provides resources for individuals who need assistance with legal advice, protective orders, and referrals to shelters. The Texas Abuse Hotline: 800‑252‑5400 is also available 24/7.

Building a New Life After Divorce Divorce is not only a legal event, but it is also the beginning of a major life transition. A newly single mother may need to create a new household budget, update beneficiaries and insurance information, establish new routines with her children, and reconsider work or education goals. Start with the essentials: secure your legal documents, understand your custody and childsupport orders, apply for benefits you may qualify for, investigate childcare assistance, and create a realistic monthly budget. You do not have to solve everything at once. Most importantly, asking for help is not a sign of failure. Community organizations, government agencies, legal-aid programs, and family-support organizations exist specifically to help families through difficult transitions. https://elpasomom.com/in-around-el-paso/life-after-divorce-resources-for-single-moms-in-el-paso/

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Life After Divorce: Resources for Single Moms in El Paso | El Paso Mom

For a mother in El Paso starting life after divorce, the goal doesn’t have to be having everything figured out immediately. The goal can simply be taking the next step—finding safe

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housing, making sure the children have food and childcare, understanding your legal rights, and building a support network. With the right resources, becoming a single mother can be the beginning of a more stable and independent chapter for both you and your children.

Important: This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Programs, services, eligibility requirements, and availability may change. Contact each organization directly for current information and speak with a qualified attorney about your individual situation.

The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of El Paso Mom, its executive team, other contributors to the site, its sponsors or partners, or any organizations with which those above might be affiliated.

Alexis Marez Alexis is a proud mom of two who loves making memories with her daughters. She enjoys exploring new places, trying new experiences, and embracing life’s adventures. Her favorite place is the ocean, where she feels most at peace. Whether she’s watching movies with her girls or taking relaxing walks through the park, she cherishes the simple moments that bring them closer together and make life meaningful.

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10/9/26, 4:05 PM

El Paso Grandmother in legal fight with solar panel companies for alleged fraud, identity theft

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El Paso Grandmother in legal fight with solar panel companies for alleged fraud, identity theft KTEP | By Cristela Guerra Published July 21, 2026 at 4:18 PM MDT

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NPR News Update https://www.ktep.org/2026-07-21/el-paso-grandmother-in-legal-fight-with-solar-panel-companies-for-alleged-fraud-identity-theft

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10/9/26, 4:05 PM

El Paso Grandmother in legal fight with solar panel companies for alleged fraud, identity theft

Cristela Guerra / KTEP News

Lorena Vargas sits on her sofa in her east El Paso home. The grandmother is waging a legal battle against solar panel companies that targeted her an allegedly engaged in fraud and predatory lending tactics.

EL PASO — There are still days that Lorena Vargas considers moving. She loves her home, where she babysits and holds “pijamadas,” slumber parties for her grandchildren, and hosts bible study groups and invites her neighbors to use her exercise bike. Yet the space now feels marred by the day a strange man showed up with a lawsuit in hand. On two occasions men showed up with flashlights at her door knocking after 9 p.m and she didn’t answer the door. One came back during the day and served her with documents alleging that the El Paso grandmother owed more than $100,000 for solar panels she never purchased or installed on her home. Vargas was dumbfounded and so filled with anxiety that for months couldn’t sleep through the night. “One night I was awake until 7 a.m. I was checking my windows, my doors, looking outside,” Vargas said. “I was so afraid that something could happen to me. I never asked for any loan.” And the 66-year-old said she never signed a contract. Attorneys at Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid are representing Vargas. Her case is among 15 that TRLA is actively pursuing, along the Texas-Mexico border. Most are homeowners in El Paso and the targets are frequently elderly, people with disabilities, and veterans according to TRLA attorneys. Sales people promise that residents' electric bills will go down or that solar panels are free under a federal government program or would be low cost because of a big rebate, according to Karina Garza, spokesperson for Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid. In about half of these cases, attorneys say the homeowner signed a contract, but services were never delivered. In other cases, attorneys say residents did not get documents but were asked to sign a digital form on an electronic tablet to get a rebate. Now, they’re being sued for failing to make payments. “Cross River Bank, which is a multi-billion dollar corporation, has a documented history of ending up being owed thousands, tens of thousands, and even hundreds of thousands of dollars for loans for solar panels that the victims have no idea about,” said Wayne Krause Yang, manager of the consumer protection team at TRLA. KTEP 88.5 FM

NPR News Update https://www.ktep.org/2026-07-21/el-paso-grandmother-in-legal-fight-with-solar-panel-companies-for-alleged-fraud-identity-theft

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El Paso Grandmother in legal fight with solar panel companies for alleged fraud, identity theft

Vargas lives on a fixed income in a home she’s owned for nearly two decades. She does not like credit cards because she does not want to owe money. Her electric bill ranges between $35 and $50 a month, so buying solar panels never crossed her mind. “It's sinister, and it's turning her life upside down,” Krause Yang said. “That's why we're fighting back and suing. It is illegal to do these things, but in aggregate, many people don't know how to fight back, that even though their name might appear on something that looks like a legal contract, they may not be obligated to pay that money.” TRLA has filed a lawsuit in response May 20 against Cross River Bank, Sunlight Financial LLC and Titan Asset Purchasing LLC. The allegations include: identity theft, negligence and “unfair debt collection.” KTEP News contacted all three companies by phone and email, but did not get a response. Following a press conference in May announcing Vargas’ case, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid received a wave of calls from others with similar stories. “In other words, we're hearing complaints about lenders that are scamming people into long, profitable, consistent payments from the very people who can afford it least: elderly folks, people whose language isn't primarily English, and people who don't have enough money or education to know that they can fight back.” Texas is ranked second in the country for solar panel installations, according to a spring report from the Solar Energy Industries Association. Interest in renewable energy continues to grow despite the Trump administration eliminating tax incentives. The 30 percent residential solar credit ended January 1st under the “Big Beautiful Bill.” In April, the Texas Attorney General’s Office issued Civil Investigative Demands to several companies including Freedom Forever, LLC. (“Freedom Solar”), SunRun, Inc. (“Sunrun”), Lone Star Solar Services LLC (“Lone Star Solar”), and CAM Solar Inc. (“CAM Solar”). This demand would require companies to disclose savings, warranties, service plans, marketing materials, and contract information. There are more than 100 complaints filed with the OAG against these companies and thousands online. They’re being investigated for “violations of the Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act,” including allegedly misrepresenting savings for consumers, the “efficacy of their solar panel systems, equipment implementations, as KTEP 88.5 FM

well as the companies’ terms and policies.” NPR News Update

https://www.ktep.org/2026-07-21/el-paso-grandmother-in-legal-fight-with-solar-panel-companies-for-alleged-fraud-identity-theft

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El Paso Grandmother in legal fight with solar panel companies for alleged fraud, identity theft

“The dark underbelly of that movement [toward solar] was the development of a very aggressive direct sales operation,” said Ann Baddour, director of Fair Financial Services Project at the nonprofit, Texas Appleseeds. “Where people got all their money on the front end of the transaction. And so there wasn't a lot of interest in seeing the transaction being successful. The interest was more in making the sale.” It often reminds Baddour of the lead up to the 2008 housing crisis. The mortgage lending that wasn’t based on the ability to repay or for the benefit of the borrower. “You have a salesperson who was independent, a contractor just doing this for commission. The lender was also independent, and they were soliciting the salespeople,” she said. “Training them on how to offer their particular loans.” Baddour said her organization saw an uptick in solar panel scams statewide following winter storm Uri in 2021. Texas Appleseeds analyzed complaint data from the Texas Attorney General’s Office. From January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2024 El Paso County had the highest rate of complaints among the largest counties in Texas, one per 10,000. Lack of regulation is also a problem advocates expect to improve this year with Senate Bill 1036, the Residential Solar Retailers program, a law passed last year which has been implemented in phases. Beginning September 1, 2026: “residential solar retailers and solar salespersons must be registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to conduct sales or leases of residential solar panels and residential solar energy systems.” The law already requires a permit for installation by a licensed electrical contractor and adds a provision that allows a solar panel buyer or lessee right-to-cancel on or before the fifth day without penalty. “Consumer protection is a top priority when it comes to solar,” said Sam Silerio, Texas Program Director of Solar United Neighbors, a non-profit that educates and advocates about the benefits of solar panels. “And with the new law now we have teeth to fight against fraudulent actors in the solar industry.” The City of El Paso is partnering with the national non-profit Solar United Neighbors on a campaign called “Switch Together.” KTEP 88.5 FM

NPR News Update https://www.ktep.org/2026-07-21/el-paso-grandmother-in-legal-fight-with-solar-panel-companies-for-alleged-fraud-identity-theft

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El Paso Grandmother in legal fight with solar panel companies for alleged fraud, identity theft

As part of the campaign residents can register to get quotes from vetted companies. Solar United Neighbors offers a bilingual help desk where people can call 202-888-3601 with questions in English or Spanish about solar installation. Lorena Vargas is sharing her experience to prevent others from going through a similar ordeal. “I have to be strong,” Vargas said.” I just want to clear myself of this problem I never looked for. I want to move forward, finish this nightmare and start over.”