S.B. No. 465 is a legislative bill designed to tackle issues surrounding unauthorized entry, occupancy, and the sale or rental of real property in Texas. The bill amends Section 28.03 of the Penal Code to redefine misdemeanor and felony classifications based on the pecuniary loss associated with property damage. It also introduces new offenses under Sections 32.56 and 32.57, which address the presentation of false documents in real property transactions and the fraudulent sale, rental, or lease of residential real property.

Furthermore, the bill adds Chapter 24B to the Property Code, detailing the process for property owners to request the immediate removal of unauthorized occupants by the sheriff, under specific conditions. It provides liability protections for sheriffs and property owners during the removal process and allows for legal actions against wrongful removals. The new provisions will apply only to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025, ensuring that prior offenses are governed by existing law. This transition period aims to clarify the law's applicability and ensure fair treatment based on the legal standards at the time of the offense.

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