Texas law creates penalties for stealing and defrauding property

Senate Bill 16 is a new Texas state law that fights property crime. The law creates criminal penalties for real property theft and fraud—two crimes that harm homeowners and property owners across our state. The bill was sponsored by Royce West, Carol Alvarado, Paul Bettencourt, and 29 other lawmakers and passed in 2025. The law sets time limits, called statutes of limitations, for how long prosecutors can bring charges for these crimes. For many property offenses, prosecutors have 10 years from the date of the crime to file charges. This gives our justice system enough time to investigate and hold people accountable while being fair to those accused. The law also creates recording requirements for certain documents about property, making it harder for fraudsters to hide their actions. If someone is convicted under this law, they must pay restitution—money paid back to the person who was harmed. This means victims of property theft or fraud can get compensation directly from the person responsible. The law sets clear procedures for how these cases are handled in court, giving everyone involved clarity about what to expect. Senate Bill 16 strengthens protections for property owners throughout Texas. By creating clear criminal offenses and fair procedures, the law helps keep our communities safe and our property rights secure. Community members can contact their local district attorney's office to learn more about how this law protects property owners.