S.B. No. 2601 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to enhance the landowner compensation program, specifically addressing damages incurred due to border crimes. The bill defines "border crime" to include offenses related to drug trafficking and transnational criminal activity. It establishes a compensation program administered by the attorney general for landowners and lessees who suffer property damage on agricultural land due to trespassers involved in border crimes or law enforcement responses to such trespassers. The program will be funded through legislative appropriations and federal grants, with specific eligibility criteria and application procedures outlined.

The bill also sets compensation limits, capping awards at $75,000 per incident, with a maximum of $10,000 for damages related to livestock, timber, or crops. It mandates that damages must be documented by law enforcement to qualify for compensation and includes provisions for the release of reports to the attorney general to assess claims. Additionally, the bill ensures that insurers cannot consider claims related to incidents documented under this program when setting rates. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and apply only to damages incurred from offenses occurring on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Insurance Code 2251.052 (Insurance Code 2251)
Senate Committee Report: Insurance Code 2251.052 (Insurance Code 2251)
Engrossed: Insurance Code 2251.052 (Insurance Code 2251)
House Committee Report: Government Code 552.132, Insurance Code 2251.052 (Government Code 552, Insurance Code 2251)
Enrolled: Government Code 552.132, Insurance Code 2251.052 (Government Code 552, Insurance Code 2251)