Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2135

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the prosecution of the criminal offense of organized retail theft.

Impact

The proposed amendments categorize offenses based on the total value of stolen merchandise, ranging from Class C misdemeanors for values less than $100 to first-degree felonies for offenses exceeding $300,000. These changes are expected to increase accountability and the legal repercussions for those involved in organized retail theft, possibly deterring such crimes in the future. Additionally, new stipulations for penalties apply if certain aggravating factors are established during prosecution, such as the involvement of a supervisor or preventing theft detection systems from being activated.

Summary

House Bill 2135 aims to amend Section 31.16 of the Penal Code, focusing on the prosecution of the criminal offense of organized retail theft. The bill defines organized retail theft as engaging in the acquisition of stolen merchandise and redistributing it into the supply chain, making it illegal for individuals to receive, possess, conceal, or dispose of theft value above a certain threshold. This legislative effort seeks to reinforce penalties associated with organized retail theft, reflecting a growing concern about theft-related activities affecting businesses and retailers in Texas.

Contention

Discussion surrounding HB 2135 may focus on the balance between enhanced enforcement mechanisms and the potential implications for civil liberties. Critics of strengthened theft laws may argue that stricter penalties could lead to overreach in enforcement practices or disproportionately target certain community members. Furthermore, logistical concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement in addressing organized retail theft under the new law will likely arise, emphasizing the importance of providing adequate resources and training for effective implementation.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Penal Code

  • Chapter 31. Theft
    • Section: 16

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4779

Relating to the prosecution of the criminal offense of organized retail theft.

TX HB1402

Relating to the criminal penalties for certain criminal offenses.

TX SB1709

Relating to the prosecution of the offenses of sedition and engaging in organized criminal activity; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB432

Relating to the prosecution of and punishment for theft of a catalytic converter; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX HB4598

Relating to catalytic converters, including criminal conduct involving catalytic converters; providing an administrative penalty; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty; increasing a fee.

TX SB465

Relating to certain criminal conduct involving a catalytic converter; creating a criminal offense; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB224

Relating to catalytic converters, including criminal conduct involving catalytic converters; providing an administrative penalty; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty; increasing a fee.

TX SB1900

Relating to foreign terrorist organizations, including the compilation of information regarding, certain civil actions brought against, and the prosecution of certain organized crime offenses involving a foreign terrorist organization and of sedition.

TX HB76

Relating to reporting the loss or theft of a firearm; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB3499

Relating to foreign terrorist organizations, including the acquisition of title to real property by, the compilation of information regarding, certain civil actions brought against, and the prosecution of certain organized crime offenses involving a foreign terrorist organization.

Similar Bills

CA AB1760

Bulk merchandise pallets.

MS SB2215

Shoplifting; provide enhancement where merchant is in the business of selling food or drugstore items.

CA AB2745

State parks: merchandise sales.

MS SB2409

Shoplifting merchandise; provide that certain second offenses within 5 years are felonies.

MS SB2266

Shoplifting; revise jurisdictional amounts and penalties for.

MS HB795

Shoplifting; require to calculate the total price of all shoplifting items for fine.

MS HB1016

Shoplifting; revise penalties for crime of.

MS HB20

Shoplifting; revise penalties for crime of.