Bill > HB2135

This bill modifies the Texas Penal Code's organized retail theft statute by refining the definition and penalty structure for such offenses. The bill specifically adds a requirement that the theft must be committed with the intent to support, facilitate, or engage in acquiring stolen retail merchandise and redistributing it into the supply chain, and establishes a minimum threshold of $100 in merchandise value. The penalty structure remains similar to the existing law but now clearly delineates offense levels based on total merchandise value, ranging from a Class B misdemeanor (for $100-$749 worth of merchandise) to a first-degree felony (for $300,000 or more of merchandise). The bill also maintains enhanced penalties for offenders who organize or supervise theft activities or who take specific actions to avoid detection, such as tampering with fire exit alarms or theft detectors. Additionally, the bill specifies that these changes will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date (September 1, 2025), ensuring that prior offenses will be prosecuted under the law in effect at the time of the crime.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2135