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Bill > HB3707


TX HB3707

TX HB3707
Relating to the inspection, purchase, sale, possession, storage, transportation, and disposal of petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, and oil and gas waste; creating criminal offenses and increasing the punishment for an existing criminal offense.


summary

Introduced
03/04/2025
In Committee
04/03/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/02/2025

Introduced Session

89th Legislature Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT relating to the inspection, purchase, sale, possession, storage, transportation, and disposal of petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, and oil and gas waste; creating criminal offenses and increasing the punishment for an existing criminal offense.

AI Summary

This bill introduces comprehensive changes to laws regarding petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, and related criminal offenses in Texas. The legislation expands and clarifies existing criminal statutes by creating new definitions and increasing penalties for various theft and unauthorized activities involving petroleum products and oil and gas equipment. Specifically, the bill defines new criminal offenses such as transporting petroleum products to waste disposal locations without identifying the initial owner, purchasing petroleum products from unauthorized sellers, and storing or trading petroleum products through unauthorized methods. It also establishes clear felony-level penalties based on the total value of stolen petroleum products or oil and gas equipment, with offenses ranging from third-degree felonies (for values under $10,000) to first-degree felonies (for values over $100,000). Additionally, the bill authorizes Texas Department of Public Safety commissioned officers to conduct comprehensive inspections of cargo tanks transporting petroleum products, including obtaining and submitting samples for forensic analysis. The legislation also provides a framework for selling seized petroleum products based on current market prices and allows law enforcement agencies to contract with private entities for these sales. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and applies only to offenses committed on or after that date.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Laid on the table subject to call (on 04/29/2025)

bill text


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