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HB 2454

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 Steve Toth

Texas bill criminalizes unauthorized real property entry and occupancy while streamlining removal of unauthorized dwelling occupants, creating new criminal penalties and fees.

Referred to Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
#crimes--againstproperty(i0175) #propertyinterests--realproperty(i0595)
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Bill Summary · HB 2454

Legislative bill overview

HB 2454 creates new criminal offenses and penalties related to unauthorized entry, occupancy, and transactions involving real property in Texas. The bill addresses removal of unauthorized occupants from dwellings and establishes associated criminal penalties and fees for various violations.

Why is this important

Property rights and unauthorized occupancy are significant issues affecting homeowners and property managers. This bill attempts to strengthen enforcement mechanisms against squatting and unauthorized property use, while potentially impacting eviction procedures and property dispute resolution processes.

Potential points of contention

  • Due process concerns: Creating streamlined removal processes for "unauthorized occupants" without clear definitions may bypass traditional eviction protections, potentially affecting tenants with disputed lease agreements or those in vulnerable housing situations
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill's scope regarding what constitutes "unauthorized" entry or occupancy lacks specifics—unclear boundaries between criminal trespass, civil disputes, and legitimate tenancy disputes could create enforcement challenges
  • Fee structure implications: The authorization of fees for enforcement raises questions about who bears costs, whether fees could be prohibitive for low-income property owners, and potential revenue incentives that might encourage aggressive enforcement

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

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