S.B. No. 2611 aims to enhance the legal framework surrounding real and personal property by introducing new criminal offenses for real property theft and fraud, along with establishing a ten-year statute of limitations for these offenses. The bill amends Article 12.01 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to include these new offenses and creates a new Chapter 5C that outlines specific procedures for handling cases of real property theft and fraud, including requirements for jury verdicts and judgments related to multiple parcels. Additionally, the bill mandates restitution for convicted defendants, detailing the amounts owed based on property value and allowing exemptions for corrective actions taken before judgment.

The legislation also modifies Sections 51.901 and 51.903 of the Government Code to clarify criteria for determining fraudulent documents, particularly concerning liens or claims against real or personal property. It specifies that documents are presumed fraudulent if not created by lawful authority or filed by an inmate, and introduces new criteria for fraud determination. The bill allows individuals affected by fraudulent documents to seek judicial review through a verified motion, enabling courts to make determinations based solely on the document. Furthermore, it establishes new definitions and penalties for unauthorized transfers of real property, particularly enhancing penalties for offenses involving elderly individuals or nonprofit organizations. The changes will apply only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 51.901, Government Code 9.509, Government Code 51.903, Penal Code 37.101 (Government Code 9, Government Code 51, Penal Code 37)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 51.901, Government Code 9.509, Government Code 51.903, Penal Code 37.101 (Government Code 9, Government Code 51, Penal Code 37)
Engrossed: Government Code 51.901, Government Code 9.509, Government Code 51.903, Penal Code 37.101 (Government Code 9, Government Code 51, Penal Code 37)
House Committee Report: Government Code 51.901, Government Code 9.509, Government Code 51.903, Penal Code 37.101 (Government Code 9, Government Code 51, Penal Code 37)