The bill, introduced by Sparks as S.B. No. 1320, establishes the Organized Oilfield Theft Prevention Unit within the Texas Department of Public Safety. It amends Chapter 411 of the Government Code by adding a new subchapter that defines key terms related to organized oilfield theft, including "unit," "oil and gas equipment," and "petroleum product." The unit will be responsible for investigating and arresting individuals involved in offenses related to organized oilfield theft, coordinating with various law enforcement agencies and stakeholders, and developing specialized training and resources for local law enforcement.

Additionally, the bill mandates the unit to maintain a centralized database for tracking incidents of organized oilfield theft and to conduct public outreach initiatives to educate industry professionals and communities. A biennial report detailing the unit's activities, effectiveness, and recommendations for improvement will be submitted to key state officials. The commission is required to adopt necessary rules for the implementation of this act by December 1, 2025, and the act will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if not.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()