Relating to the filing of a fraudulent financing statement in relation to certain secured transactions; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

HB 5377 targets fraudulent financing statements in Texas secured transactions by imposing civil penalties of at least $10,000 (or actual damages) plus court costs and attorney fees on those who intentionally file forged, false, or groundless statements. It creates a process for property owners harmed by such fraud to sue for release of the statement and recover costs, while allowing debtors to challenge improper filings through an affidavit that triggers a termination statement. This law directly affects creditors who commit fraud and the property owners or debtors harmed by fraudulent filings. The bill amends Section 9.5185 of the Business & Commerce Code to strengthen remedies for victims.