TX
Texas House Bill HB3035

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3035

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

Caption

Relating to the creation of an organized oilfield theft prevention unit within the Department of Public Safety.

Impact

By creating this specialized unit, HB3035 aims to improve the response to oilfield thefts and will likely result in more targeted law enforcement efforts in a region that has historically faced challenges related to organized theft. The unit's duties include developing training for local law enforcement agencies, public outreach to raise awareness of these offenses, and maintaining a centralized database for tracking related criminal activities. The legislation reflects a proactive approach to safeguarding valuable industry resources and ensuring stakeholders are informed and supported.

Summary

House Bill 3035 establishes an Organized Oilfield Theft Prevention Unit within the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The unit is specifically tasked with investigating and preventing thefts of oil and gas equipment, which has become a significant concern in regions adjacent to the international border, particularly around El Paso. The legislation allows the unit to coordinate with various state and federal law enforcement agencies to enhance the effectiveness of its operations. This initiative responds to the increasing levels of theft impacting the oil and gas industry, a vital sector for Texas's economy.

Contention

The introduction of the Organized Oilfield Theft Prevention Unit may generate discussion regarding resource allocation and prioritization within the DPS. Supporters argue that this bill addresses a pressing issue affecting local economies and businesses, while critics may raise concerns about the effectiveness of the unit in alleviating the theft problem without overregulating the industry. Furthermore, the unit's jurisdiction being primarily focused around El Paso could prompt debates about whether similar measures should be replicated in other regions experiencing related issues.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 411. Department Of Public Safety Of The State Of Texas
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX HB48

Same As Relating to the creation of an organized oilfield theft prevention unit within the Department of Public Safety.

TX SB1320

Similar Relating to the establishment of the organized oilfield theft prevention unit within the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1230

Relating to the creation of a witness protection unit within the Department of Public Safety.

TX SB839

Relating to the creation of a witness protection unit within the Department of Public Safety.

TX SB1483

Relating to the creation of a retail theft investigation unit in the Department of Public Safety.

TX HB75

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB85

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB37

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB87

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB20

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX SB2377

Relating to homeland security, including the creation of the Texas Homeland Security Division in the Department of Public Safety, the operations of the Homeland Security Council, the creation of a homeland security fusion center, and the duties of state agencies and local governments in preparing for, reporting, and responding to cybersecurity breaches; providing administrative penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB1826

Relating to the establishment of an organized retail theft task force.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.