Relating to real property theft and real property fraud; establishing recording requirements for certain documents concerning real property; creating the criminal offenses of real property theft and real property fraud and establishing a statute of limitations, restitution, and certain procedures with respect to those offenses.
SB 16 amends Texas law to adjust the statute of limitations for certain felony prosecutions under Article 12.01 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. It extends the time limit for filing felony charges in specific cases, including real property theft and fraud offenses, while establishing procedures for restitution and criminal prosecution. The bill directly affects individuals accused of these crimes by modifying when charges can be filed and outlining victim restitution processes. This law, signed by the Governor on September 17, 2025, creates a clearer framework for prosecuting property-related offenses but does not establish new crimes.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Aug 2025
Committee Review
Aug 2025
Senate Passage
Aug 2025
House Passage
Aug 2025
Signed into Law
Sep 2025
Introduced Aug 15, 2025
Signed Sep 17, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons
What changed between versions
Engrossed
→
Enrolled
·
3 edits
·
Sep 17, 2025
MINOR
This bill was finalized for signature (Enrolled) after passing both legislative chambers. The substantive policy changes include new protections against fraudulent liens filed by inmates against government employees, a requirement for the Secretary of State to terminate such liens if fraud is confirmed, and an updated effective date of January 1, 2026.
Scope change
The bill's scope expanded to include specific procedures for the Secretary of State and Attorney General to investigate and terminate fraudulent liens filed by inmates against Texas Department of Criminal Justice employees.
ENFORCEMENT
New procedures allow government employees to file affidavits to challenge liens filed by inmates, requiring the Secretary of State to investigate and terminate the lien if fraud is confirmed.
REQUIREMENT
The Secretary of State is now required to create a specific form for inmates to use when filing affidavits challenging fraudulent liens.
TIMELINE
The effective date for the changes in law was updated to January 1, 2026.
Floor votes · House Aug 26, 2025
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
56
Key actions
15
Committee
9
Amendments
5
Sep 17, 2025
Signed into law
Signed by the Governor
executive
Aug 28, 2025
Lower · Passed
Signed in the House
lower
Aug 28, 2025
Upper · Passed
Signed in the Senate
upper
Aug 28, 2025
Introduced
Senate concurs in House amendment(s)-reported
lower
Aug 27, 2025
Introduced
Senate concurs in House amendment(s)
upper
Aug 26, 2025
Upper · Passed
House passage as amended reported
upper
Aug 26, 2025
Lower · Passed
Passed
lower
Aug 26, 2025
Lower · Passed
Passed to 3rd reading as amended
lower
Aug 26, 2025
Lower · Passed
Amended
lower
Aug 25, 2025
Lower · Passed
Corrected committee report sent to Calendars
lower
Aug 24, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee report sent to Calendars
lower
Aug 22, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee report distributed
lower
Aug 21, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported favorably w/o amendment(s)
lower
Aug 20, 2025
Committee
Referred to Criminal Jurisprudence
lower
Aug 20, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
lower
Aug 20, 2025
Introduced
Received from the Senate
lower
Aug 18, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed
upper
Aug 15, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee report printed and distributed
upper
Aug 15, 2025
Upper · Passed
Reported favorably w/o amendments
upper
Aug 15, 2025
Upper · Passed
Vote taken in committee
upper
Aug 15, 2025
Committee
Referred to Finance
upper
Aug 15, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
upper
31 primary · 1 co-sponsor
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Adam Hinojosa
RRepublican
P
Angela Paxton
RRepublican
P
Bob Hall
RRepublican
P
Borris Miles
DDemocratic
P
Brandon Creighton
RRepublican
P
Brent Hagenbuch
RRepublican
P
Briscoe Cain
RRepublican
P
Bryan Hughes
RRepublican
P
Carol Alvarado
DDemocratic
P
Charles Perry
RRepublican
P
Charles Schwertner
RRepublican
P
Chuy Hinojosa
DDemocratic
P
CB
César Blanco
DDemocratic
P
Donna Campbell
RRepublican
P
Joan Huffman
RRepublican
P
JM
José Menéndez
DDemocratic
P
Kevin Sparks
RRepublican
P
Mano DeAyala
RRepublican
P
Mayes Middleton
RRepublican
P
Nathan Johnson
DDemocratic
P
Paul Bettencourt
RRepublican
P
Paul Dyson
RRepublican
P
Pete Flores
RRepublican
P
Phil King
RRepublican
P
RA
Rafael Anchía
DDemocratic
P
Robert Nichols
RRepublican
P
Roland Gutierrez
DDemocratic
P
Royce West
DDemocratic
P
Sarah Eckhardt
DDemocratic
P
Tan Parker
RRepublican
P
Trent Ashby
RRepublican
Co
Lois Kolkhorst
RRepublican
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about SB 16
Scope: TX
Hi! I can help you understand SB 16. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline