H.B. No. 48 establishes an organized oilfield theft prevention unit within the Department of Public Safety in Texas. The new subchapter, titled "Organized Oilfield Theft Prevention Unit," outlines the definitions relevant to the unit, including "oil and gas equipment" and "petroleum product." The bill mandates the creation of this unit to investigate and arrest individuals committing offenses related to oilfield theft, specifically under Sections 31.19 and 31.03 of the Penal Code. The unit will coordinate with various law enforcement agencies and stakeholders to effectively carry out its duties.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the unit will have statewide jurisdiction, primarily operating in the region adjacent to the international border, particularly around El Paso. It outlines the unit's responsibilities, which include providing specialized training to local law enforcement, conducting public outreach initiatives, and maintaining a centralized database for tracking related offenses. The Department of Public Safety is required to submit a biennial report summarizing the unit's activities and effectiveness, including statistics on arrests and prosecutions. The bill will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if not.

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