All Roll Calls
Yes: 225 • No: 11
TexasSB 237189th Legislature Regular SessionSenate
Relating to skimmers on electronic terminals; authorizing a civil penalty; creating criminal offenses.
Sponsored By: Robert Nichols (Republican), Mary Ann Perez
Signed by Governor
Civil Remedies & LiabilitiesCrimes--MiscellaneousElectronic Information SystemsFinancial--BanksFinancial--GeneralLaw EnforcementProtection of Personal InformationAUTOMATED TELLER MACHINESCREDIT & DEBIT CARDSCURRENCY & CURRENCY EXCHANGEBANKING, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OFLICENSING & REGULATION, TEXAS COMMISSION OF
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Businesses must report and secure skimmers
When technicians find a skimmer, they or their employer must notify the merchant and Texas financial crimes intelligence center. Merchants who find or learn of a skimmer must disable the terminal and notify law enforcement and the center. They must guard against tampering until officials arrive and the skimmer is removed, following center rules. Merchants must cooperate with investigations and allow needed terminal inspections and alterations. These rules cover ATMs, checkout terminals, virtual currency terminals, and other covered cash-dispensing machines.
Skimmer reporters gain public identity protection
Skimmer reports and related investigation records are generally confidential, and officials cannot publicly identify the person who reported a suspected skimmer. Limited sharing is allowed with law enforcement, financial organizations, researchers, center contractors, banking regulators, and other legally authorized recipients. Sharing is also allowed under a court order. Once a report is dismissed or finally resolved, records become subject to public disclosure unless another confidentiality rule applies. Officials may also release information for law enforcement purposes, but the reporter’s identity remains protected from public disclosure.
New penalties for obstructing skimmer investigations
Violating the skimmer law or its rules carries civil penalties up to $5,000 per day for each violation. The attorney general may sue in Travis County to collect penalties and seek court orders, with enforcement costs recoverable. Refusing a required inspection at a merchant’s business is a Class C misdemeanor. Negligently or recklessly disposing of a skimmer someone else installed on a terminal is a Class B misdemeanor. That disposal is a third-degree felony when the person knows an investigation is underway or a criminal case is pending.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Robert Nichols
Republican • Senate
Mary Ann Perez
House
Cosponsors
Donna Campbell
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 5/14/2025
Record vote
Yes: 31 • No: 0
House vote • 5/10/2025
Record vote
Yes: 118 • No: 11
Senate vote • 4/29/2025
Record vote
Yes: 31 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/29/2025
Record vote
Yes: 31 • No: 0
House vote • Unknown
Committee vote: Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
Yes: 7 • No: 0
Senate vote • Unknown
Committee vote: Criminal Justice
Yes: 7 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Effective immediately
5/27/2025HouseSigned by the Governor
5/27/2025HouseSent to the Governor
5/15/2025HouseSigned in the House
5/15/2025HouseSigned in the Senate
5/15/2025SenateReported enrolled
5/14/2025SenateSenate concurs in House amendment(s)-reported
5/14/2025HouseRecord vote
5/14/2025SenateSenate concurs in House amendment(s)
5/14/2025SenateRead
5/14/2025SenateHouse amendment(s) laid before the Senate
5/14/2025SenateHouse passage as amended reported
5/12/2025SenateStatement(s) of vote recorded in Journal
5/10/2025HouseRecord vote (RV#2061)
5/10/2025HousePassed
5/10/2025HouseRead 3rd time
5/10/2025HousePassed to 3rd reading as amended
5/9/2025HouseAmended (1-M. Perez)
5/9/2025HouseRead 2nd time
5/9/2025HouseLaid out in lieu of companion (CSHB 4853)
5/9/2025HouseCommittee report sent to Calendars
5/8/2025HouseCommittee report distributed
5/7/2025HouseComte report filed with Committee Coordinator
5/7/2025HouseReported favorably w/o amendment(s)
5/7/2025HouseConsidered in formal meeting
5/7/2025House
Bill Text
Engrossed
Enrolled
House Committee Report
Introduced
Senate Committee Report
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