Is It legal for a employer in Texas to say anything about a former emploee other than whether they worked there and the dates of employment?

It may be "legal", going by the book, to say anything that's true and verifiable. However, there is a lot of potential civil liability when an employer makes what could be interpreted as disparaging remarks about an ex-employee when such remarks have a negative impact on said ex-employee, such as preventing him/her from getting another job, getting credit, etc. regardless of the truthfulness of such remarks. The adage "if you can't say nothing nice, don't say anything" is always the best bet when asked to give a reference for a current or former employee.

Whoops

OK, but according to the Texas Workforce Commission this is a big NO-NO for employers to do. Is there any recorse someone may have against negative feedback from a former employer?
And thanks for your answers.

Had the same problem in Texas myself. Good luck trying to prove any wrong doing. Its your word against their word... and in Texas the company will win out.