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Bill

HB 272

Relating to the prosecution of the offense of fraudulent use or possession of credit card or debit card information.

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

HB 272 strengthens Texas criminal prosecution standards for credit and debit card fraud by clarifying statutory definitions and enforcement mechanisms, effective September 1, 2025.

Effective on 9/1/25
#credit&debitcards(s0388) #crimes--againstproperty(i0175) #criminalprocedure--general(i0208) #fraud(s0166) #financial--general(i0365) #protectionofpersonalinformation(i0003)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 272

Legislative bill overview

HB 272 modifies Texas law regarding criminal prosecution for fraudulent use or possession of credit card and debit card information. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on June 20, 2025. The specific amendments strengthen or clarify how the state prosecutes identity theft and payment card fraud crimes.

Why is this important

Credit card and debit card fraud affects millions of Texans annually, with victims facing financial losses and identity theft consequences. Clearer prosecution standards help law enforcement and prosecutors more effectively pursue these cases, potentially reducing fraud rates and protecting consumers. This reflects growing legislative attention to cybercrime and financial crimes as technology-enabled theft becomes more prevalent.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of prosecutorial discretion: Changes may expand or restrict how prosecutors interpret fraud statutes, affecting consistency across Texas counties
  • Victim protection versus defendant rights: Stronger prosecution tools could shift the balance between protecting fraud victims and ensuring due process protections for defendants
  • Technical definitions: Clarifications on what constitutes "possession" of card information versus unauthorized use may create jurisdictional ambiguities in edge cases

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

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