Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for the offense of refusal to execute the release of a fraudulent lien or claim.

HB 4996 increases criminal penalties for refusing to release a fraudulent lien or claim against property owned by a public servant. It amends Texas law to make this offense a third-degree felony (instead of a Class A misdemeanor) when the lien holder knowingly targets a public servant. The bill directly affects individuals or entities filing fraudulent liens who deliberately withhold release of those liens against public servants. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to offenses committed after that date.