H.B. No. 246 aims to establish a compensation program for landowners and lessees who suffer damage to agricultural land due to certain criminal activities, specifically those classified as "border crimes." The bill amends the heading of Chapter 56C of the Code of Criminal Procedure to reflect this focus on border crime property damage compensation. It introduces new definitions, including "border crime" and "border region," and outlines the types of damages eligible for compensation, which now include not only damage to agricultural land but also to livestock, game, timber, and crops. The attorney general is tasked with administering the program and is authorized to use various funding sources, including appropriated money and grants.

Additionally, the bill specifies that compensation may be awarded for damages caused by trespassers engaged in border crimes and outlines the necessary documentation required for claims. It establishes that the program will serve as a payer of last resort for property damage and sets a maximum compensation limit of $75,000 per incident. The bill also includes provisions to ensure that insurance rates are not unfairly increased based on claims related to incidents documented under this compensation program. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to damages incurred from offenses occurring on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Insurance Code 544.553 (Insurance Code 544)