Bill: HB 891, 85(R) - 2017
Committee
House Energy Resources
Vote Recommendation
| Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
| Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Author(s)
Richard Raymond
Bill Caption
Relating to the creation of the offense of theft of petroleum product.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
HB 891 would amend the Penal Code to specifically define and prohibit the theft of crude oil, natural gas, or
condensate. Unlawful appropriation of a petroleum product without owner consent and with intent to deprive the owner
of the product would be a state jail felony if the total value of the appropriation is less than $10,000; a third degree felony if the value is between $10,000 and $100,000; a second degree felony if the value is between $100,000 and $300,000; and a first degree felony if the value is greater than $300,000.
Vote Recommendation Notes
Tying penalties for theft to pecuniary scale is a good approach in general, however the necessity of creating specific new offenses related to theft of petroleum products is questionable from a limited government perspective since this type of theft can be prosecuted under existing law. For this reason we remain neutral on HB 891.
Organizations Supporting
BP
Chesapeake Energy
Concho Resources Inc.
Devon Energy
Enbridge Energy
Permian Basin Petroleum Association
SM Energy
Texas Alliance of Energy Producers
Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association
Texas Land and Mineral Owners Association
Texas Oil and Gas Association
