TITLE: Relating to the creation of the offense of theft of petroleum products.

SUMMARY: Relating to the creation of the offense of theft of petroleum products.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the creation of the offense of theft of petroleum products. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Chapter 31, Penal Code, is amended by adding Section 31.19 to read as follows: Sec. 31.19. THEFT OF PETROLEUM PRODUCT. (a) In this section, "petroleum product" means crude oil, natural gas, or condensate. (b) A person commits an offense if the person unlawfully appropriates a petroleum product with intent to deprive the owner of the petroleum product by: (1) possessing, removing, delivering, receiving, purchasing, selling, moving, concealing, or transporting the petroleum product; or (2) making or causing a connection to be made with, or drilling or tapping or causing a hole to be drilled or tapped in, a pipe, pipeline, or tank used to store or transport a petroleum product. (c) Appropriation of a petroleum product is unlawful if it is without the owner's effective consent. (d) An offense under this section is: (1) a state jail felony if the total value of the petroleum product appropriated is less than $10,000; (2) a felony of the third degree if the total value of the petroleum product appropriated is $10,000 or more but less than $100,000; (3) a felony of the second degree if the total value of the petroleum product appropriated is $100,000 or more but less than $300,000; or (4) a felony of the first degree if the total value of the petroleum product appropriated is $300,000 or more. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.