The bill, S.B. No. 2228, aims to enhance the operations of the financial crimes intelligence center in Texas by expanding its focus to include motor fuel theft alongside existing card fraud concerns. Key definitions are introduced, such as "motor fuel manipulation device," which refers to mechanisms that unlawfully alter motor fuel metering devices, and "motor fuel theft," which is defined as acts qualifying under specific penal codes. The bill also updates the center's purposes to include the detection and prevention of both card fraud and motor fuel theft, as well as the development of strategies to address these crimes.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the center assist various stakeholders, including law enforcement and financial institutions, in detecting and responding to skimmers and motor fuel manipulation devices. It requires the center to provide a comprehensive report on the state of card fraud and motor fuel theft, including geographic hotspots and statistical summaries. Grant recipients are also allowed to use funds for initiatives aimed at reducing both types of crime. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Occupations Code 2312.001, Occupations Code 2312.052, Occupations Code 2312.054, Occupations Code 2312.055, Occupations Code 2312.102 (Occupations Code 2312)