S.B. No. 1806 aims to enhance regulations surrounding the inspection, purchase, sale, possession, storage, transportation, and disposal of petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, and oil and gas waste. The bill introduces new criminal offenses and increases penalties for existing offenses related to these areas. Notably, it amends Article 47.07 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to allow the real owner of property sold under Articles 47.06 or 47.13 to recover proceeds from the sale under specific terms. Additionally, it establishes Article 47.13, defining "petroleum product" and outlining procedures for law enforcement to sell stolen petroleum products, including the pricing based on market rates.

Furthermore, the bill adds Section 411.0185 to the Government Code, permitting trained officers to conduct inspections of cargo tanks transporting petroleum products and to collect samples for forensic analysis. It also amends Section 31.19 of the Penal Code to redefine theft related to petroleum products and oil and gas equipment, specifying various unlawful appropriation scenarios and establishing corresponding penalties. The bill includes provisions for criminal penalties related to drilling or using disposal wells without proper permits, with penalties escalating based on the value of the oil and gas waste involved. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to offenses committed after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 31.19, Water Code 27.031 (Water Code 27, Penal Code 31)
Senate Committee Report: Penal Code 31.19, Water Code 27.031 (Water Code 27, Penal Code 31)