Bill: SB 1871, 85(R) - 2017
Committee
Senate Natural Resources & Economic Development
Vote Recommendation
| Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
| Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Author(s)
Judith Zaffirini
Bill Caption
Relating to the creation of the offense of petroleum product or oil and gas equipment theft.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
SB 1871 would make it a criminal offense to unlawfully appropriate a petroleum product or oil and gas equipment with intent to deprive the owner of the oil and gas product or equipment. Such an offense would be a state jail felony if the value of the appropriated goods is less than $10,000; a third degree felony if the value is $10,000-$100,000; a second degree felony if the value is $100,000-$300,000; and a first degree felony if the value is greater than $300,000.
Vote Recommendation Notes
This bill supports the principle of private property rights by making it a criminal offense to deprive an owner of oil and gas equipment or products without their consent. However, this bill also has the potential for creating inequities within the justice system. Instead of treating one property different from others, basing all such thefts solely on value would simplify the standards and treat all property the same.
Because of these conflicts, we will remain neutral on SB 1871.
Organizations Supporting
BP
Chesapeake Energy
Chevron
Concho Resources Inc.
Devon Energy
EOG Resources
Exxon Mobil
Occidental Petroleum
ONEOK
Permian Basin Petroleum Association
Pioneer Natural Resources
Texas Alliance of Energy Producers
Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association
Texas Land and Mineral Owners Association
Texas Oil and Gas Association
Texas Pipeline Association
Texas Royalty Council
