Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1054

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

Caption

Relating to the creation of the criminal offense of oil and gas equipment theft.

Impact

If enacted, SB1054 would implement structured penalties for the entity of oil and gas equipment theft, categorizing offenses based on the value of the stolen items. This reclassification aims to deter potential thefts by introducing stringent sentences, with penalties ranging from state jail felonies for lower-value thefts to first-degree felonies for thefts exceeding $300,000. The approach reflects a legislative intent to safeguard the state's energy assets by emphasizing the severity of these offenses, thereby aiming to bolster law enforcement efforts in this sector.

Summary

Senate Bill 1054 seeks to establish a specific criminal offense for the theft of oil and gas equipment, addressing a growing concern over offenses related to the energy sector in Texas. The bill modifies Section 31.19 of the Penal Code to include provisions for the unlawful appropriation of not only petroleum products but also a variety of oil and gas equipment, elucidating the definitions and criteria for what constitutes this equipment. This expansion highlights the critical need for protective measures in an industry that is vital to the state's economy.

Contention

While the bill seeks to strengthen protections against theft in the oil and gas industry, there may be concerns regarding its enforcement and the potential for increased criminalization of acts associated with the oil and gas fields. Stakeholders in the industry could question the practicality of enforcement mechanisms and their implications on local businesses. Moreover, the bill implies a robust legislative stance towards theft in crucial economic sectors, which could invoke discussions on resource allocation for enforcement and potential rise in criminal penalties that some may view as excessive.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Penal Code

  • Chapter 31. Theft
    • Section: 19

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1402

Relating to the criminal penalties for certain criminal offenses.

TX HB4779

Relating to the prosecution of the criminal offense of organized retail theft.

TX SB465

Relating to certain criminal conduct involving a catalytic converter; creating a criminal offense; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB224

Relating to catalytic converters, including criminal conduct involving catalytic converters; providing an administrative penalty; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty; increasing a fee.

TX HB1772

Relating to the documentation required for the purchase of certain timber products; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB4598

Relating to catalytic converters, including criminal conduct involving catalytic converters; providing an administrative penalty; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty; increasing a fee.

TX SB1048

Relating to the documentation required for the purchase of certain timber products; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB1518

Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.

TX HB4968

Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.

TX HB4642

Relating to offenses involving the manufacture or delivery of certain controlled substances and the enforcement and prevention of those offenses; creating a criminal offense.

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