TX HB4540

Creates a new criminal offense (Class A misdemeanor) for presenting false, fraudulent, or fictitious documents such as fake leases or deeds to enter or remain on real property

Establishes criminal penalties for fraudulently listing, advertising, selling, renting, or leasing residential property without legal title or authority: Class A misdemeanor for advertising, state jail felony for completing such transactions

Increases criminal mischief to a second-degree felony when property damage of $1,000 to $300,000 occurs to a habitation during the commission of a criminal trespass offense

Creates an expedited process for property owners to remove unauthorized occupants through the sheriff, including filing a sworn complaint with justice court, a required hearing within 5 business days, and court-ordered removal within 7 days of the hearing

Provides liability protections for sheriffs and property owners during removal proceedings, while allowing wrongfully removed persons to sue for actual damages, exemplary damages equal to three times fair market rent, court costs, and attorney's fees