Principle Criteria
Free Enterprise
Property Rights
Personal Responsibility
Limited Government
Individual Liberty
Digest
HB 246 amends the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure to expand and update the Border Crime Property Damage Compensation Program. This bill broadens the scope of compensation available to landowners, lessees, and residents in the border region for damages to agricultural land, livestock, game, timber, or crops resulting from criminal trespassing or law enforcement activities related to border crime. Key updates include allowing compensation for debris or pollutants left on land and introducing a cap of $75,000 per incident. The bill specifies funding sources for the program, including state appropriations, federal grants, and proceeds from certain forfeited property. Insurance companies are also restricted from increasing rates based solely on claims related to damage incidents documented under this program. This act takes effect on September 1, 2025.
Author (3)
Ryan Guillen
Eddie Morales
Richard Raymond
Co-Author (2)
Angelia Orr
David Spiller