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Bill

Bill

HB 201

Relating to the financial crimes intelligence center.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Mary Ann Perez and 1 co-sponsor

Texas establishes Financial Crimes Intelligence Center to coordinate detection and investigation of financial crimes statewide, effective September 1, 2025.

Effective on 9/1/25
#agriculture(i0020) #credit&debitcards(s0388) #consumerprotection(i0080) #crimes--againstproperty(i0175) #financialcrimesintelligencecenter(vr5le) #fraud(s0166) #financial--general(i0365)
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Bill Summary · HB 201

Legislative bill overview

HB 201 establishes or modifies the Financial Crimes Intelligence Center in Texas, a state agency responsible for detecting, investigating, and combating financial crimes. The bill became law on June 20, 2025, and takes effect September 1, 2025. The specific structural and operational changes are not detailed in the action history provided.

Why is this important

Financial crimes—including fraud, money laundering, and theft—cost Texas residents and businesses billions annually. A dedicated intelligence center can improve coordination between law enforcement agencies, banks, and other institutions to identify crime patterns and prosecute offenders more effectively. Enhanced financial crime detection may also strengthen compliance with federal anti-money laundering requirements.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding and scope creep: Questions about whether the center has adequate budget and staffing, and whether its mission could expand beyond initial intent
  • Privacy and data sharing: Concerns about what financial information the center collects, how it's stored, and which agencies can access it
  • Effectiveness metrics: Unclear how the center's success will be measured and whether it duplicates existing law enforcement efforts

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

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