H.B. No. 414 addresses unauthorized entry and occupancy of real property by establishing new criminal offenses and increasing penalties for related crimes. It amends Section 28.03(b) of the Penal Code to redefine misdemeanor and felony classifications based on the pecuniary loss associated with property damage or destruction. The bill introduces new offenses under Sections 32.56 and 32.57 for presenting false documents related to real property and for fraudulent sales, rentals, or leases of residential real estate, with the latter classified as a first-degree felony.

Additionally, the bill creates Chapter 24B in the Property Code, detailing the process for property owners to request the removal of unauthorized occupants. This includes provisions for sheriffs to serve notice to vacate and for property owners to request the sheriff's presence during the removal process, with sheriffs entitled to a fee for their services. The legislation also provides liability protections for sheriffs and property owners against claims arising from these removals. The Act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, ensuring that offenses committed before this date will be governed by existing law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 28.03 (Penal Code 28)