TX HB4853

Requires service technicians who discover payment card skimmers on electronic terminals (ATMs, point-of-sale terminals, virtual currency terminals) to notify the Financial Crimes Intelligence Center and the merchant

Mandates merchants who discover or are notified of skimmers to disable the terminal, notify law enforcement and the Center, and protect the terminal from tampering until the skimmer is removed

Authorizes the Financial Crimes Intelligence Center to investigate skimmer reports, inspect electronic terminals, and coordinate with law enforcement; merchants must cooperate with investigations

Establishes civil penalties of up to $5,000 per day per violation, enforceable by the attorney general in Travis County district court

Creates criminal offenses: Class C misdemeanor for refusing terminal inspections, Class B misdemeanor for negligently disposing of a skimmer, and third-degree felony for knowingly disposing of a skimmer during an ongoing investigation or criminal proceeding