Texas HB4996 increases the criminal penalty for refusing to release a fraudulent lien or claim.

Texas HB4996 amends the Texas Penal Code to increase the penalty for the offense of refusing to execute the release of a fraudulent lien or claim. The offense is now a Class A misdemeanor, except when the property owner is a public servant, in which case it is a felony of the third degree. The change applies to offenses committed on or after the Act's effective date of September 1, 2025.

Texas HB4996 increases the criminal penalty for refusing to release a fraudulent lien or claim.

Texas HB4996 amends the Texas Penal Code to increase the penalty for the offense of refusing to execute the release of a fraudulent lien or claim. The offense is now a Class A misdemeanor, except when the property owner is a public servant, in which case it is a felony of the third degree. The change applies to offenses committed on or after the Act's effective date of September 1, 2025.