Texas House Bill HB891

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the creation of the offense of theft of petroleum product.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would amend the Texas Penal Code by adding a new section that categorizes theft of petroleum products into varying degrees of felonies based on the value of the appropriated product. The structured grading of offenses means that theft amounts less than $10,000 would be classified as a state jail felony, while amounts exceeding $300,000 could lead to first-degree felony charges. This laddered approach is intended to ensure that the legal penalties effectively correspond to the severity of the crime, potentially deterring such offenses within the petroleum sector.

Summary

House Bill 891 introduces legislation aimed at addressing the criminal implications associated with the theft of petroleum products, specifically crude oil, natural gas, and condensate. The bill delineates specific actions that would constitute theft, such as possession, removal, and unauthorized connections to pipelines. By codifying these actions as criminal offenses, the bill seeks to provide clearer definitions and legal frameworks around theft in the energy sector, which has significant economic implications for the state of Texas, known for its vast oil and gas resources.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 891 appears to be largely favorable among energy industry stakeholders and those concerned about the integrity of state resources. Supporters argue that the bill is a necessary response to increasing incidents of theft that threaten both the economy and security of energy supplies. However, there is likely also concern among critics regarding whether the bill sufficiently addresses potential loopholes and definitions that may inadvertently lead to over-criminalization or misuse of the law against legitimate transactions.

Contention

Notable points of contention could arise from the criminalization of behaviors traditionally viewed as regulatory or transactional within the oil and gas industry. Critics might question if the parameters established in the bill would be excessively broad, thus impacting operations inadvertently. Discussions may also center around enforcement challenges and ensuring that the law does not disproportionately affect small operators versus larger corporations, raising questions about fairness and balance in the regulatory environment.