Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Texas House Bill HB19

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

Caption

Relating to real property theft and real property fraud; establishing recording requirements for certain documents concerning real property; creating the criminal offenses of real property theft and real property fraud and establishing a statute of limitations, restitution, and certain procedures with respect to those offenses.

Impact

Should the bill pass, it would introduce significant amendments to the Penal Code, particularly by incorporating new definitions and penalties related to real property fraud and theft. These amendments provide clearer guidelines for the prosecution of offenses involving property and establish restitution protocols for victims. The bill aims to enhance protections for property owners and ensure that those who attempt to illegally obtain property face severe legal consequences. By enacting these changes, Texas would align its laws with current real estate practices and the needs of the community.

Summary

House Bill 19 aims to address issues related to real property theft and fraud by establishing specific recording requirements for documents concerning real property. The bill creates criminal offenses for real property theft and real property fraud, which can incorporate various deceptive practices regarding property transactions. This legislative initiative reflects an effort to modernize and strengthen the laws governing property ownership and transactions, particularly in the face of increasing instances of fraud that exploit vulnerable populations such as the elderly and disabled individuals.

Contention

Notably, there may be points of contention surrounding the practical implications of the bill, particularly regarding the recording requirements and the burden they may place on county clerks and local governments. The requirement for photo identification when presenting documents for recording could also be seen as a potential barrier for some individuals. Additionally, the criteria for determining the severity of offenses and the heightened penalties based on the age and vulnerability of property owners underline the gravity of the bill's intent but may also lead to discussions regarding fairness in the enforcement of these laws.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Code Of Criminal Procedure

  • Chapter 12. Limitation
    • Section: New Section

Penal Code

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

Government Code

  • Chapter 51. Clerks
    • Section: 901

Companion Bills

TX SB16

Same As Relating to real property theft and real property fraud; establishing recording requirements for certain documents concerning real property; creating the criminal offenses of real property theft and real property fraud and establishing a statute of limitations, restitution, and certain procedures with respect to those offenses.

Previously Filed As

TX SB15

Relating to recording requirements for certain documents concerning real property; creating the criminal offenses of real property theft and real property fraud and establishing a statute of limitations for those offenses.

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 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 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 SB1984

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

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 HB2019

Relating to the statute of limitations for certain burglary offenses.

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.

Similar Bills

TX HB258

Relating to real property theft and real property fraud; establishing recording requirements for certain documents concerning real property; creating the criminal offenses of real property theft and real property fraud and establishing a statute of limitations, restitution, and certain procedures with respect to those offenses.

TX SB16

Relating to real property theft and real property fraud; establishing recording requirements for certain documents concerning real property; creating the criminal offenses of real property theft and real property fraud and establishing a statute of limitations, restitution, and certain procedures with respect to those offenses.

TX SB15

Relating to recording requirements for certain documents concerning real property; creating the criminal offenses of real property theft and real property fraud and establishing a statute of limitations for those offenses.

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.

CA AB2830

The Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court Program.

AR HB1408

To Create The Uniform Easement Relocation Act.

TX SB1009

Relating to the adoption of the Uniform Easement Relocation Act.

VA HB1721

Condemnation of conservation or open-space easement; compensation, Uniform Easement Relocation Act.