The Texas Home Ownership Protection and Enforcement Act aims to combat unauthorized entry and occupancy of real property, as well as the improper sale, rental, or lease of such properties. The bill introduces new criminal offenses related to the presentation of false documents in property transactions and increases penalties for various property-related offenses, classifying them as misdemeanors or felonies based on the pecuniary loss involved. It also establishes a framework for property owners to request the immediate removal of unauthorized occupants by the sheriff under specific conditions, while outlining the complaint submission process and providing liability protections for sheriffs and property owners involved in these removals.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the nonexclusivity of certain rights and authorities related to property ownership and law enforcement, ensuring that the chapter does not limit property owners' rights or law enforcement's authority to arrest unauthorized occupants for offenses like trespassing or theft. It also specifies that amendments to Section 28.03 of the Penal Code will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, September 1, 2025, meaning that offenses occurring before this date will be governed by the existing law at that time.

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