INTERIM: 3 Things to Know about the Oil Theft Crackdown Charge

• In 2015, The Governor vetoed HB 3291 strengthening prosecutions of oil theft
• The veto called the bill overbroad and alluded to the potential to create “severe criminal penalties for conduct that may have nothing to do with theft of oil and gas”
• Senate & House Both studying the issue this interim
• Future legislation will be for the lawyers, it will change the criminal intent standard from “reckless” to “intentionally or knowingly”. 
  • Think of it broadly like this, should you know you are committing the crime, that is intentional or knowingly; while “should you have known?” is like recklessly committing a crime

Texas Tribune | Texas Lawmakers Seek Abbott’s Blessing on Oil Theft Crackdown