A bill establishing a statewide task force to combat oilfield theft has passed the Texas Legislature and is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.
Senate Bill 494, authored by Sen. Kevin Sparks and sponsored in the House by Rep. Brooks Landgraf, directs the Railroad Commission of Texas to create a task force focused on preventing the theft of petroleum products, defined under Section 31.19 of the Penal Code.
The task force will include representatives from the oil and gas industry, energy trade associations, and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The group will meet quarterly, with virtual meetings permitted, and will conduct an ongoing study of petroleum product theft in Texas.
The study will examine state and international laws, the impact of theft on sales tax revenue and the economy, and potential prevention strategies. The task force is also charged with recommending outreach programs and training for law enforcement and prosecutors.
A report summarizing findings and recommendations must be submitted every two years to the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the House, and legislative committees overseeing oil and gas matters. The first report is due by December 1, 2026. The task force will operate through the end of 2030.
Sparks and Landgraf both shared statements on social media expressing pride in working together to pass the legislation, which aims to enhance cooperation between law enforcement and industry stakeholders to protect Texas resources.
Image Credit Kevin Sparks
