Texas Senate Bill SB1054

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 2/3/25

Caption

Relating to the creation of the criminal offense of oil and gas equipment theft.

Impact

If enacted, SB1054 would implement structured penalties for the entity of oil and gas equipment theft, categorizing offenses based on the value of the stolen items. This reclassification aims to deter potential thefts by introducing stringent sentences, with penalties ranging from state jail felonies for lower-value thefts to first-degree felonies for thefts exceeding $300,000. The approach reflects a legislative intent to safeguard the state's energy assets by emphasizing the severity of these offenses, thereby aiming to bolster law enforcement efforts in this sector.

Summary

Senate Bill 1054 seeks to establish a specific criminal offense for the theft of oil and gas equipment, addressing a growing concern over offenses related to the energy sector in Texas. The bill modifies Section 31.19 of the Penal Code to include provisions for the unlawful appropriation of not only petroleum products but also a variety of oil and gas equipment, elucidating the definitions and criteria for what constitutes this equipment. This expansion highlights the critical need for protective measures in an industry that is vital to the state's economy.

Contention

While the bill seeks to strengthen protections against theft in the oil and gas industry, there may be concerns regarding its enforcement and the potential for increased criminalization of acts associated with the oil and gas fields. Stakeholders in the industry could question the practicality of enforcement mechanisms and their implications on local businesses. Moreover, the bill implies a robust legislative stance towards theft in crucial economic sectors, which could invoke discussions on resource allocation for enforcement and potential rise in criminal penalties that some may view as excessive.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Penal Code

• Chapter 31. Theft
  • Section: 19