Bill > HB2131

This bill addresses unauthorized property occupation and related fraudulent activities by introducing several key legal provisions. It modifies the Penal Code to create new criminal offenses related to fraudulent property transactions and establish a streamlined process for property owners to remove unauthorized occupants. Specifically, the bill creates two new criminal offenses: first, making it illegal to present false documents to enter or remain on real property, which is classified as a Class A misdemeanor; and second, prohibiting the fraudulent listing, advertising, selling, renting, or leasing of residential real property without legal title or authority, with penalties ranging from a Class A misdemeanor to a third-degree felony. Additionally, the bill establishes a new chapter in the Property Code that allows property owners to request sheriff assistance in removing unauthorized occupants from a dwelling under specific conditions, such as the property not being open to the public, the owner having directed the occupant to leave, and the occupant not being a current/former tenant or family member. The new process requires property owners to submit a detailed complaint under penalty of perjury and provides guidelines for sheriff intervention, including serving notice to vacate and potentially arresting occupants. The bill also includes provisions protecting property owners from liability in most removal scenarios while allowing wrongfully removed individuals to seek legal recourse, thereby creating a more structured approach to addressing unauthorized property occupation.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2131