SB494

SB494 requires the Railroad Commission of Texas to appoint a task force on petroleum-product theft. Its job is to study the problem and recommend prevention measures, not to create a new police force or criminal penalty. Membership must include at least one oil-and-gas industry representative, at least one energy-trade-association representative and representatives of local, state and federal law enforcement. The commission chooses the presiding officer. Task force and membership.

The task force must meet at least quarterly and may meet online. It must examine other jurisdictions’ laws, sales-tax effects, long-term economic impacts and the advantages and disadvantages of possible responses. Recommendations must address prevention and outreach, coordination, and training for law-enforcement officers and prosecutors. Members may consult organizations, governments and people they consider necessary. Study duties.

Reports are due by December 1 of every even-numbered year to state leaders, the commission and legislative committees with primary oil-and-gas jurisdiction. They must include legislative and other recommendations on transparency, security, consumer protection, prevention and long-term economic effects. Signed May 20, 2025, the act took effect September 1, 2025, required appointments as soon as practicable and expires December 31, 2030. The first statutory report deadline after effectiveness is December 1, 2026. History; Reporting and expiration.

The act defines the theft it studies by reference to Penal Code Section 31.19. It exempts only the task force’s duration and choice of presiding officer from Government Code Chapter 2110—not every requirement of that chapter. This briefing describes the legal duties, not a finding that appointments or reports have already been completed. Definition and limited exception.