Bill > SB1806

This bill addresses various aspects of petroleum product and oil and gas equipment regulation in Texas, introducing several key changes. The legislation expands and clarifies criminal offenses related to petroleum products and oil and gas equipment, creating new rules for their inspection, sale, transportation, and disposal. The bill defines petroleum products as crude oil or condensate and introduces comprehensive new provisions for law enforcement, including allowing officers to inspect cargo tanks transporting petroleum products and obtain samples for forensic analysis. It also significantly modifies existing theft statutes, creating more detailed criminal offenses with graduated penalties based on the value of stolen petroleum products or equipment. Specifically, the bill establishes different felony levels (third, second, and first degree) depending on the total value of appropriated petroleum products or oil and gas equipment, with penalties ranging from $10,000 to over $100,000. Additionally, the bill empowers law enforcement to sell seized petroleum products based on specific market indices like the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) prices, and requires the Public Safety Commission to develop training programs for officers conducting these inspections. The legislation is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to offenses and property seizures occurring on or after that date.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB1806