H.B. No. 4853 introduces new regulations concerning the presence of skimmers on electronic terminals, establishing a framework for their detection, reporting, and enforcement. The bill adds Chapter 607A to the Business & Commerce Code, which includes definitions for key terms such as "skimmer," "electronic terminal," and "financial institution." It mandates that service technicians and merchants must notify the financial crimes intelligence center and law enforcement upon discovering a skimmer. Additionally, the center is tasked with administering and enforcing the chapter, including conducting investigations and inspections of suspected skimmers.

The bill also establishes civil penalties for violations, with fines not exceeding $5,000 per day, and outlines criminal offenses related to the refusal of inspections and the negligent or intentional disposal of skimmers. Specifically, it categorizes offenses as Class C misdemeanors for refusal to allow inspections, Class B misdemeanors for negligent disposal, and third-degree felonies for knowingly disposing of a skimmer during an ongoing investigation. The act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

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