H.B. No. 3003 addresses unauthorized entry and occupancy of real property in Texas by establishing new criminal offenses and enhancing penalties for related crimes. The bill amends Section 28.03 of the Penal Code to classify offenses based on pecuniary loss and introduces new classifications for fraudulent activities related to real property. It creates two new sections, 32.56 and 32.57, which define offenses for presenting false documents to convey real property interests and for the fraudulent sale, rental, or lease of residential real property, with the latter classified as a felony of the first degree.

Additionally, the bill introduces Chapter 24B to the Property Code, outlining the process for property owners to request the removal of unauthorized occupants. This includes provisions for the sheriff to serve notice to vacate and establishes liability protections for sheriffs and property owners against claims arising from the removal process. The Act will take effect on September 1, 2025, ensuring that offenses committed before this date will be governed by existing law, thereby providing clarity and fairness in the application of the new legal standards.

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