Senate Bill No. 1333 addresses unauthorized entry, occupancy, and fraudulent transactions involving real property in Texas by introducing new criminal offenses and amending existing laws. Notably, the bill classifies the presentation of false documents for property conveyance as a Class A misdemeanor and establishes a first-degree felony for knowingly selling, renting, or leasing residential real property without legal authority. It also increases penalties for property damage and provides a framework for law enforcement to remove unauthorized occupants from residential properties, contingent upon specific conditions being met.

Key provisions include a streamlined process for property owners to request the immediate removal of unauthorized occupants, with law enforcement required to verify complaints and serve notices to vacate. The bill offers liability protections for both law enforcement and property owners during the removal process and allows wrongfully removed individuals to seek damages. Additionally, it mandates that courts prioritize hearings related to property rights and unauthorized occupants, while clarifying that existing rights of property owners and law enforcement authority remain intact. The amendments to Section 28.03 of the Penal Code will apply only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, ensuring that prior offenses are governed by the laws in effect at that time.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 28.03 (Penal Code 28)
Senate Committee Report: Penal Code 28.03 (Penal Code 28)