81R22659 DAK-F
By: Bonnen H.B. No. 3551
Substitute the following for H.B. No. 3551:
By: Elkins C.S.H.B. No. 3551
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the notice to vacate the premises in forcible entry and
detainer actions.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 24.005, Property Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (j) to read as follows:
(j) The notice to vacate must contain the following or
substantially similar language:
A PERSON WHO INTENTIONALLY OR KNOWINGLY DAMAGES OR DESTROYS
THE PROPERTY THAT IS THE SUBJECT OF THIS NOTICE TO VACATE COMMITS A
CRIME AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO A FINE, IMPRISONMENT, OR BOTH A FINE AND
IMPRISONMENT. DEPENDING ON THE AMOUNT OF LOSS INCURRED BY THE OWNER
OF THE PROPERTY, THE CRIME MAY BE A MISDEMEANOR OR A FELONY.
SECTION 2. This Act applies only to a notice to vacate the
premises in a forcible entry and detainer action that is given on or
after the effective date of this Act, without regard to whether the
action commenced before, on, or after that date.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.