TX
Texas Senate Bill SB36

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Texas Senate Bill SB36

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

Caption

Relating to creating the criminal offenses of real property theft and real property fraud and establishing a statute of limitations for those offenses; harmonizing other statute of limitations provisions; increasing a criminal penalty.

Impact

The enactment of SB36 would amend existing statutes within the Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure, leading to a re-evaluation of processes related to the prosecution of real property crimes. One significant change includes the introduction of specific offenses for real property theft and fraud, which will now carry defined penalties based on the value of the property involved. This bill aims to harmonize the statute of limitations for these offenses, creating a more coherent legal framework for prosecuting such crimes, which may lead to improved enforcement and justice for victims.

Summary

Senate Bill 36 introduces new criminal offenses concerning real property theft and fraud, specifically defining the parameters and penalties associated with these crimes. The bill aims to address the increasing concerns over property crimes that target individuals' real property rights and introduces measures to establish clearer rules regarding what constitutes theft and fraud in real estate transactions. It specifically sets forth enhanced penalties for offenses that involve the elderly or nonprofit organizations, reflecting a commitment to protecting vulnerable populations in property dealings.

Contention

As with many legislative prompts, the bill may encounter debate, particularly concerning the implications of increased penalties for property crimes. Critics might argue that harsher penalties could overwhelm the legal system, particularly if they lead to more felony cases. Furthermore, the definitions and scope of what constitutes real property theft and fraud will likely be scrutinized, ensuring they do not unintentionally criminalize legitimate real estate transactions. Proponents, however, will likely advocate for these changes as necessary measures to deter property crimes and promote trust in real estate markets.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Code Of Criminal Procedure

  • Chapter 1. General Provisions
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 42. Judgment And Sentence
    • Section: New Section

Penal Code

  • Chapter 31. Theft
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 32. Fraud
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2611

Relating to the status of certain documents or instruments concerning real or personal property; creating the criminal offenses of real property theft and real property fraud and establishing a statute of limitations for those offenses; harmonizing other statute of limitations provisions; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX SB2798

Relating to certain statutes of limitations for criminal offenses, including the statute of limitations for certain fraud offenses.

TX HB1891

Relating to the offense of invasive visual recording of a minor, including the statute of limitations for that offense and the applicability of sex offender registration requirements to that offense; harmonizing other statute of limitations provisions; increasing criminal penalties for certain sexual offenses.

TX HB2333

Relating to certain statutes of limitations for criminal offenses, including the statutes of limitations for felony offenses relating to an election conducted in this state.

TX SB127

Relating to the offense of failure to report child abuse or neglect by certain professionals and the statute of limitations for that offense; harmonizing other statute of limitations provisions.

TX HB1778

Relating to human trafficking, prostitution, and child pornography and to the prosecution of sexual or assaultive offenses or the prosecution of a failure to stop or report those offenses; amending and harmonizing certain statute of limitations provisions; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX SB741

Relating to human trafficking, prostitution, and child pornography and to the prosecution of sexual or assaultive offenses or the prosecution of a failure to stop or report those offenses; amending and harmonizing certain statute of limitations provisions; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX SB1984

Relating to certain statutes of limitations for criminal offenses, including the statute of limitations for improper relationship between educator and student.

TX HB380

Relating to certain statutes of limitations for criminal offenses, including the statute of limitations for the offense of improper relationship between educator and student, and to the applicability of sex offender registration requirements for the offense of improper relationship between educator and student.

TX HB2019

Relating to the statute of limitations for certain burglary offenses.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.