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Bill

HB 48

Relating to the creation of an organized oilfield theft prevention unit within the Department of Public Safety.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by César Blanco and 7 co-sponsors

Texas creates specialized oilfield theft prevention unit in DPS to coordinate multi-agency investigations and combat organized theft from oil and gas operations.

Effective immediately
#crimeprevention(i0083) #crimes--againstproperty(i0175) #lawenforcement(i0510) #oil&gas(i0545) #publicsafety #departmentof(v0251) #railroadcommission(v0089)
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Bill Summary · HB 48

Legislative bill overview

HB 48 establishes a dedicated oilfield theft prevention unit within the Texas Department of Public Safety to combat organized theft of equipment, materials, and products from oil and gas operations. The unit will coordinate investigations, share intelligence, and work across jurisdictions to address what has become a significant problem in Texas's energy sector.

Why is this important

Oilfield theft costs the industry millions of dollars annually and diverts law enforcement resources across multiple counties and agencies. Creating a specialized unit allows for coordinated, expertise-driven responses to organized criminal networks targeting critical energy infrastructure, potentially reducing losses and improving recovery rates.

Potential points of contention

  • Resource allocation: Critics may question whether dedicating state resources to oilfield theft prevention diverts funding from other public safety priorities affecting broader populations
  • Private industry burden-sharing: Unclear whether oil and gas companies will contribute to funding or investigation costs, or if this represents a public subsidy for private sector security
  • Scope and authority: Questions remain about the unit's investigative jurisdiction, arrest authority, and coordination mechanisms with local law enforcement and federal agencies like the FBI

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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