S.B. No. 16 is a legislative bill designed to combat real property theft and fraud in Texas by establishing new criminal offenses and specific recording requirements for related documents. It amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to include provisions for a ten-year statute of limitations for real property theft and fraud, aligning these offenses with other serious felonies. The bill introduces Chapter 5C, which outlines procedures for handling these cases, including requirements for judgments to specify the real property involved and mandates for filing these documents with the county clerk within ten days of a conviction or deferred adjudication. Additionally, it requires courts to order restitution for victims and enhances accountability for fraudulent documents related to real property.

The bill also includes several amendments to existing laws governing real property transactions. It empowers the attorney general to request documentation for liens and allows the secretary of state to reject fraudulent lien filings. Furthermore, it mandates that county clerks require photo identification for individuals filing certain documents, broadening the previous limitations that applied only to specific counties. The bill clarifies definitions related to property theft and fraud, establishes new offenses with penalties based on property value, and increases penalties for offenses involving vulnerable populations and tax-exempt properties. The changes will apply only to offenses committed after the bill's effective date, which is set for 91 days after the legislative session, with some provisions taking effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 51.901, Local Government Code 191.010, Penal Code 31.01, Property Code 12.001 (Local Government Code 191, Penal Code 31, Property Code 12, Government Code 51)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 51.901, Local Government Code 191.010, Penal Code 31.01, Property Code 12.001 (Local Government Code 191, Penal Code 31, Property Code 12, Government Code 51)
Engrossed: Government Code 51.901, Local Government Code 191.010, Penal Code 31.01, Property Code 12.001 (Local Government Code 191, Penal Code 31, Property Code 12, Government Code 51)
House Committee Report: Government Code 51.901, Local Government Code 191.010, Penal Code 31.01, Property Code 12.001 (Local Government Code 191, Penal Code 31, Property Code 12, Government Code 51)
Enrolled: Government Code 51.901, Government Code 405.022, Local Government Code 191.010, Penal Code 31.01, Property Code 12.001 (Property Code 12, Penal Code 31, Government Code 51, Local Government Code 191, Government Code 405)