The bill, S.B. No. 1054, proposes the creation of a new criminal offense specifically targeting the theft of oil and gas equipment in Texas. It amends Section 31.19 of the Penal Code to include "oil and gas equipment" alongside "petroleum products" as items subject to theft. The bill defines "oil and gas equipment" to encompass various machinery and materials used in the exploration and operation of oil and gas properties. It establishes that a person commits an offense if they unlawfully appropriate such equipment with the intent to deprive the owner of it.

The bill outlines the penalties for theft of oil and gas equipment, categorizing offenses based on the value of the stolen items. For instance, theft of equipment valued between $2,500 and $10,000 is classified as a state jail felony, while theft of equipment valued at $300,000 or more is classified as a felony of the first degree. Additionally, the bill clarifies that if the conduct constitutes an offense under another law, the individual may be prosecuted under this section, the other law, or both. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 31.19 (Penal Code 31)