Bill > SB575

This bill creates a new criminal offense related to interfering with motor fuel metering devices and unattended payment terminals at gas stations. The law defines specific actions as criminal, including intentionally disrupting or attempting to modify fuel metering devices, manufacturing or selling devices designed to manipulate these systems, and knowingly benefiting from such activities. Key terms like "motor fuel manipulation device" are carefully defined, and the bill specifies that service technicians, regulatory employees, and law enforcement officers are exempt from prosecution when handling such devices as part of their official duties. The offense is classified as a second-degree felony, which typically carries significant criminal penalties. Additionally, the bill amends the existing organized criminal activity statute to include this new offense among the list of crimes that can be considered part of organized criminal activity. The law will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to offenses committed on or after that date, ensuring that previous actions are not retroactively criminalized.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB575