All Roll Calls
Yes: 330 • No: 1
TexasSB 180689th Legislature Regular SessionSenate
Relating to the inspection, purchase, sale, possession, storage, transportation, and disposal of petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, and oil and gas waste; creating criminal offenses and increasing the punishment for an existing criminal offense.
Sponsored By: Tom Craddick, Drew Darby, Kevin Sparks (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Crimes--Against PropertyOil & GasSTAFF DEVELOPMENT & TRAININGSTORAGE TANKSRAILROAD COMMISSION
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Owners can recover seized property sale proceeds
For property seized beginning September 1, 2025, Texas officers may arrange sales of crude oil or condensate alleged to be stolen. Prices use the prior day's NYMEX closing benchmark for an equal quantity: West Texas Intermediate crude oil or natural gas liquids, respectively. Agencies may hire private sellers, and proceeds follow state rules for seized money. The real owner may recover proceeds from these sales and qualifying property sales under Article 47.06, following Article 18.17(e). Earlier seizures remain governed by prior law.
New inspections for oil cargo tanks
Beginning September 1, 2025, trained Texas Department of Public Safety officers may inspect cargo tanks on Texas public roads or railroads. This authority covers tanks used or suspected of carrying crude oil or condensate. Officers may collect samples for forensic testing at crime labs or other capable labs. The Public Safety Commission must adopt training rules by January 1, 2026, including instruction on safe sampling. Gifts and grants may fund forensic testing.
Waste well operators face felony penalties
Beginning September 1, 2025, drilling, using, or converting a well for oil and gas waste disposal requires a Railroad Commission permit. Acting without that permit is a third-degree felony when no waste is disposed of or its value is below $10,000. The offense is a second-degree felony for waste worth $10,000 to under $100,000. It is a first-degree felony at $100,000 or more. Earlier offenses remain governed by prior law.
Oil theft penalties rise with prosecution limits
Beginning September 1, 2025, Texas expands crimes involving crude oil, natural gas, condensate, and oil and gas equipment. Theft includes taking, handling, moving, or selling products or equipment without the owner's consent and intending to deprive the owner. Covered equipment includes drilling machinery, pipelines, pumps, vehicles, and related oilfield tools. Added petroleum crimes cover waste-site transport without identifying the initial owner, buying from unauthorized sellers, and unauthorized storage or trading methods for financial gain. The Railroad Commission of Texas sets the relevant authorizations. Theft is a third-degree felony below $10,000, second-degree from $10,000 to under $100,000, and first-degree at $100,000 or more. The law also protects against double jeopardy under overlapping laws. Earlier offenses remain governed by prior law.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Tom Craddick
House
Drew Darby
House
Kevin Sparks
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 5/5/2025
Record vote
Yes: 30 • No: 1
House vote • 4/30/2025
Record vote
Yes: 143 • No: 0
House vote • 4/29/2025
Record vote
Yes: 141 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/16/2025
Record vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/16/2025
Record vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • Unknown
Committee vote: Criminal Justice
Yes: 6 • No: 0
House vote • Unknown
Committee vote: Energy Resources
Yes: 10 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Effective on 9/1/25
5/19/2025HouseSigned by the Governor
5/19/2025HouseSent to the Governor
5/7/2025HouseSigned in the House
5/7/2025HouseSigned in the Senate
5/7/2025SenateReported enrolled
5/5/2025SenateSenate concurs in House amendment(s)-reported
5/5/2025HouseRecord vote
5/5/2025SenateSenate concurs in House amendment(s)
5/5/2025SenateRead
5/5/2025SenateHouse amendment(s) laid before the Senate
5/5/2025SenateHouse passage as amended reported
4/30/2025SenateRecord vote (RV#939)
4/30/2025HousePassed
4/30/2025HouseRead 3rd time
4/30/2025HouseCommittee report sent to Calendars
4/29/2025HouseStatement(s) of vote recorded in Journal
4/29/2025HouseRecord vote (RV#802)
4/29/2025HousePassed to 3rd reading as amended
4/29/2025HouseAmended (1-Craddick)
4/29/2025HouseRead 2nd time
4/29/2025HouseLaid out in lieu of companion (CSHB 3707)
4/29/2025HouseCommittee report distributed
4/28/2025HouseComte report filed with Committee Coordinator
4/28/2025HouseReported favorably w/o amendment(s)
4/24/2025House
Bill Text
Engrossed
Enrolled
House Committee Report
Introduced
Senate Committee Report
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