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TX SB1995

Bill

Status

Introduced

3/6/2025

Primary Sponsor

Bob Hall

Click for details

Origin

Senate

89th Legislature Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Creates a new process allowing property owners to request immediate removal of unauthorized occupants (squatters) from residential dwellings by submitting a sworn complaint to the sheriff or constable, bypassing traditional eviction court proceedings

  • Establishes a new Class A misdemeanor offense for presenting false, fraudulent, or fictitious documents (fake leases, deeds) to gain entry or remain on real property

  • Creates a first-degree felony offense for knowingly selling, renting, leasing, or advertising residential property without legal title or authority to do so

  • Increases criminal mischief penalties to a second-degree felony when $1,000 or more in damage occurs to a habitation during the commission of criminal trespass

  • Requires law enforcement serving vacate notices to verify occupants' immigration status and report those unlawfully present to federal authorities, while granting immunity to sheriffs and constables for property damage during removal proceedings

  • Takes effect July 1, 2025 with a two-thirds legislative vote, or September 1, 2025 otherwise

Legislative Description

Relating to the unauthorized entry, occupancy, sale, rental, lease, advertisement for sale, rental, or lease, or conveyance of real property, including the removal of certain unauthorized occupants of a dwelling; creating criminal offenses; increasing a criminal penalty.

Property Interests

Last Action

Referred to Criminal Justice

3/17/2025

Committee Referrals

Criminal Justice3/17/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available