HOUSTON – The Texas Senate has passed a bill that will crack down on organized fuel theft rings across the state.
Senate Bill 988, introduced by Sen. Paul Bettencourt, was passed in a decisive bipartisan 29-2 vote.
Recommended Videos
READ: Double-swiping the rewards card led to free gas for months — and a felony theft charge
Bettencourt introduced the bill after being contacted by the Dallas District Attorney’s Office about its efforts in fighting these organized criminal groups since 2021.
SB 988 passed the Texas Legislature nearly unanimously in 2023 but was not signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott after the 88th Regular Session.
According to investigators, the criminal groups damage fuel dispensers’ “pulsers,” which regulate the flow of gasoline at the pump. When the devices are disabled, criminals are able to steal thousands of gallons of fuel undetected.
RELATED: Suspects arrested for allegedly altering fuel prices at gas station in Humble
These crimes have caused significant financial losses for gas station owners and weakened enforcement tools for local law enforcement against these criminal groups.
“SB 988 gives our law enforcement and prosecutors the tools they need to stop these organized fuel theft rings. Just one tanker truck load could cost $35k in stolen fuel, plus the gang then sells the gas on the grey market,” said Sen. Bettencourt.
READ: Debit, credit cards compromised at Houston area gas station, here’s how
Until now, those caught damaging a pulser could only be charged with misdemeanor criminal mischief due to the relatively low cost of repairs, despite the much larger losses associated with stolen fuel. SB 988 will now classify the impairment or destruction of a retail motor fuel pump or an electric vehicle charging station as a third-degree felony, regardless of the cost of the damage.
SB 988 will now head to the Texas House. If enacted, the bill will take effect on Sept. 1, 2025.