HB 4540 Texas House · 89th Legislature (2025)

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
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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
Photo of Dennis Paul
Dennis Paul
RRepublican
TX
129