H.B. No. 3274 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 associated with property damage. It also introduces provisions that penalize the use of false documents in property transactions and fraudulent sales or rentals of residential real estate, with penalties ranging from Class A misdemeanors to state jail felonies.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a new Chapter 24B in the Property Code, which outlines a process for property owners to request the immediate removal of unauthorized occupants by the sheriff. This includes conditions for the sheriff's action, such as verifying ownership and serving a notice to vacate, and allows sheriffs to charge a fee for their services. Legal protections are also provided for sheriffs and property owners against liability for actions taken under this chapter. The Act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, ensuring that offenses committed before this date will be governed by the existing law, thereby preventing retroactive application of the new legal standards.

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