H.B. No. 316 proposes the addition of Section 16.021 to the Texas Penal Code, establishing a new criminal offense for interfering with motor fuel metering devices or unattended payment terminals. The bill defines key terms such as "motor fuel manipulation device," "motor fuel metering device," and "motor fuel unattended payment terminal." It outlines specific actions that constitute an offense, including intentionally disrupting or modifying these devices, as well as manufacturing or selling manipulation devices. The bill classifies such offenses as a felony of the second degree and provides an affirmative defense for certain individuals, such as service technicians and law enforcement officers, acting within the scope of their duties.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 71.02(a) of the Penal Code to include the new offense under Section 16.021 as part of the list of offenses that can be associated with organized criminal activity. This inclusion broadens the scope of activities that can be prosecuted under organized crime statutes. The changes in law will apply only to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

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