H.B. No. 3003 seeks to enhance the legal framework surrounding unauthorized entry and occupancy of real property in Texas by introducing new criminal offenses and increasing penalties for related crimes. The bill amends Section 28.03 of the Penal Code to redefine misdemeanor and felony classifications based on the pecuniary loss from property damage. It also introduces new provisions that specifically address the use of false documents in property transactions and categorizes fraudulent sales or rentals of residential real estate as a first-degree felony.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a new Chapter 24B in the Property Code, detailing the process for property owners to request the immediate removal of unauthorized occupants by the sheriff. This includes conditions for sheriff intervention, such as verifying ownership and ensuring the property was not publicly accessible at the time of unauthorized entry. The bill allows sheriffs to charge a fee for these services and provides legal protections for both sheriffs and property owners against liability. 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 a clear transition from previous laws.

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