Bill > SB16

This bill establishes new legal provisions to combat real property theft and fraud in Texas, creating two new criminal offenses with specific definitions and penalties. It introduces the crimes of "real property theft" and "real property fraud" as felonies with varying degrees of severity based on the value of the property or benefit involved. The bill requires county clerks to collect photo identification when filing real property documents and mandates that court judgments involving these offenses include specific information about the real property. For real property theft, offenders can be required to pay restitution to property owners, title companies, or insurers, with the amount varying depending on the circumstances of the theft. The legislation also adds provisions for county clerks to notify law enforcement if a potentially fraudulent document is filed and allows the secretary of state to refuse filing fraudulent liens. The bill's provisions will apply only to offenses committed on or after its effective date, with most sections taking effect 91 days after the legislative session ends, and a specific provision about county clerk notifications taking effect on January 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=892&Bill=SB16