Relating to the unauthorized entry, occupancy, sale, rental, lease, advertisement for sale, rental, or lease, or conveyance of real property, including the removal of certain unauthorized occupants of a dwelling; creating criminal offenses; increasing a criminal penalty; authorizing a fee.
This Texas bill establishes criminal penalties for unauthorized entry, occupancy, sale, rental, or lease of real property, including dwelling units. It increases penalties based on financial loss, ranging from a Class C misdemeanor (loss under $100) to a third-degree felony (loss over $30,000), with higher penalties for specific acts like damaging livestock fences or disrupting public utilities. The law specifically targets actions such as unauthorized dwelling occupancy, tampering with catalytic converters, and causing impairment to public water systems. Property owners can use these criminal provisions to address unauthorized occupants, while offenders face tiered charges based on the severity of the violation. The bill focuses on criminal enforcement rather than creating new civil remedies for property disputes.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Apr 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Apr 3, 2025
Last action Apr 3, 2025
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Apr 3, 2025
Committee
Referred to Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
lower
Apr 3, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Dennis Paul
RRepublican
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about HB 4540
Scope: TX
Hi! I can help you understand HB 4540. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline