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HB 3274

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.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Cole Hefner

Texas bill creating criminal penalties for unauthorized property entry, occupancy, and fraudulent sales/rentals while authorizing enforcement fees.

Referred to Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
#civilremedies&liabilities(i0065) #crimes--againstproperty(i0175) #fraud(s0166) #lawenforcement(i0510) #propertyinterests--realproperty(i0595) #sheriffs(s1013)
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Bill Summary · HB 3274

Legislative bill overview

HB 3274 creates and enhances criminal penalties for unauthorized entry, occupancy, and transactions involving real property in Texas. The bill establishes new offenses related to squatting, illegal property sales/rentals, and fraudulent property conveyance, while authorizing the state to collect fees related to enforcement.

Why is this important

Property rights disputes and unauthorized occupancy have become increasingly costly issues for property owners, particularly in urban areas where eviction processes can be lengthy and expensive. This bill attempts to strengthen legal remedies and criminal consequences, potentially accelerating removal of squatters and deterring property fraud schemes that harm legitimate owners and market integrity.

Potential points of contention

  • Due process concerns: Creating new criminal offenses for occupancy without clear definitions of "unauthorized" could risk criminalizing legitimate disputes between landlords/tenants where legal status is contested
  • Enforcement fairness: Enhanced penalties may disproportionately affect vulnerable populations experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity versus organized property fraud rings
  • Fee structure ambiguity: The authorization for unspecified fees creates uncertainty about costs to taxpayers and potential impact on property owners seeking enforcement remedies

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

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