S.B. No. 16 is a legislative bill designed to combat real property theft and fraud in Texas by establishing new criminal offenses and amending existing laws. It introduces specific recording requirements for documents related to these offenses and amends Article 12.01 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to include a ten-year statute of limitations for felony indictments related to real property theft and fraud. The bill adds these offenses to the list of crimes with this limitation period and introduces Chapter 5C, which outlines procedures for handling real property theft and fraud cases, including requirements for judgments and restitution for victims.

Additionally, the bill empowers the attorney general to request documentation for liens and allows the secretary of state to reject fraudulent lien filings. It mandates that county clerks require photo identification for individuals filing certain real property documents, broadening the previous limitations. The bill also clarifies definitions related to property theft and fraud, enhances penalties for offenses involving vulnerable populations and nonprofit organizations, and specifies that the market value for penalty determinations will be based on the appraisal roll for the relevant tax year. 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, Property Code 12, Government Code 51, Penal Code 31)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 51.901, Local Government Code 191.010, Penal Code 31.01, Property Code 12.001 (Local Government Code 191, Property Code 12, Government Code 51, Penal Code 31)
Engrossed: Government Code 51.901, Local Government Code 191.010, Penal Code 31.01, Property Code 12.001 (Local Government Code 191, Property Code 12, Government Code 51, Penal Code 31)
House Committee Report: Government Code 51.901, Local Government Code 191.010, Penal Code 31.01, Property Code 12.001 (Local Government Code 191, Property Code 12, Government Code 51, Penal Code 31)
Enrolled: Government Code 51.901, Government Code 405.022, Local Government Code 191.010, Penal Code 31.01, Property Code 12.001 (Government Code 405, Government Code 51, Penal Code 31, Local Government Code 191, Property Code 12)