Bill > HB3035

This bill establishes an Organized Oilfield Theft Prevention Unit within the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to combat theft of oil and gas equipment and petroleum products. The unit will have statewide jurisdiction but will primarily operate in the El Paso border region, with responsibilities including investigating and arresting individuals who commit theft offenses related to oil and gas equipment, coordinating with various law enforcement agencies and stakeholders, developing specialized training and resources for local law enforcement, conducting public outreach and awareness initiatives, and maintaining a centralized database to track related criminal activities. The unit will be supervised by a designated command structure within DPS, with the director empowered to adopt rules governing the unit's operations, including personnel training and working conditions. The unit will be required to submit a biennial report to state leadership detailing its activities, effectiveness, arrest and prosecution statistics, and recommendations for improving its performance. The bill mandates that DPS adopt implementing rules by December 1, 2025, and will take effect either immediately with a two-thirds legislative vote or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3035