The bill, H.B. No. 3273, introduces several amendments to Texas law regarding adverse possession, unauthorized property transactions, and the removal of unauthorized occupants from residential properties. It amends Section 16.022 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to clarify the definition of a person under legal disability, adding a new subsection (a-1) that expands the criteria to include individuals attending institutions of higher education. Additionally, it creates a new criminal offense under Section 32.57 of the Penal Code for the fraudulent sale, rental, or lease of residential real property, classifying such offenses as felonies of the first degree.

Furthermore, the bill establishes Chapter 24B in the Property Code, which outlines the process for property owners or their agents to request the immediate removal of unauthorized occupants by the sheriff. This includes specific conditions under which removal can occur, such as the property not being open to the public and the occupant not being a tenant or family member. The bill also details the procedures for filing a complaint, the sheriff's responsibilities in verifying complaints, and the liability protections for sheriffs and property owners. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and applies only to causes of action that accrue on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 16.022, Subchapter D, Chapter , Penal Code 61.003 (Subchapter D, Chapter , Penal Code 61, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 16)