Senate committee advances bill to create DPS unit targeting organized oilfield theft

Senate Bill 1320 would create a dedicated unit inside the Texas Department of Public Safety to investigate and arrest people engaged in theft of petroleum products and related organized criminal enterprises, the bill author told the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice.

The bill’s sponsor, Senator Brian Sparks, told the committee the unit would be statewide but headquartered in the Permian Basin, provide specialized training for local law enforcement, maintain a centralized database of incidents, and submit biannual reports to legislative leaders and the governor. "To address this, Senate Bill 1320 creates a dedicated unit within DPS with the authority to investigate and arrest individuals engaged in theft of petroleum products," Sparks said.

Why it matters: witnesses and local officials described a shift from opportunistic, small-scale thefts to organized, multi-jurisdictional operations that create economic loss and safety risks, including explosions. Supporters said local law enforcement and existing industry practices cannot fully match the scale and sophistication now reported.

Permian Basin industry and law enforcement representatives testified in support. Bill Vanderland, testifying for the Permian Basin Oilfield Crime Committee, said reported cases are "only the tip of the iceberg" and described how thefts can be difficult to detect when production drops are attributed to routine operational changes. "It's very easy for thieves to come and steal quantities of oil and it basically never be noticed," Vanderland said.

Michael Lozano of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association said organized groups move product and create logistical challenges across jurisdictions, and that a DPS unit would help "organize the law enforcement challenges that we see." Philip MacFurlow, a West Texas district attorney, and Ed Longenecker of the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association also urged passage, describing large-dollar thefts and safety incidents, including a reported explosion at a saltwater disposal site.

Texas Department of Public Safety Chief of Criminal Investigations Floyd Goodwin appeared as a neutral resource witness and said DPS currently has "2 that are primarily working this," adding the agency would take "as many as you want to give us" but acknowledging the problem is concentrated in the Permian Basin and parts of South Texas.

Committee action and next steps: Senator Parker moved that SB 1320 be reported favorably to the full Senate; the clerk recorded six ayes and no nays and the bill was referred as recommended. The committee recorded: Chair Flores — Aye; Vice Chair Parker — Aye; Senator Hinojosa — Aye; Senator Huffman — Aye; Senator Miles — Aye; Senator Hagenboo — Aye. The committee recommended the bill for the local and uncontested calendar on Senator Hinojosa’s suggestion.

Supporters urged quick legislative action; some members asked for additional detail on staffing and funding. The bill text directs the unit to report arrests, prosecutions and asset recoveries every two years to legislative leaders and the governor. The committee did not specify the final staffing levels in the hearing record.

Ending: With the committee’s favorable recommendation, SB 1320 moves to the full Senate. The bill's supporters said they expect the Permian Basin headquarters and a centralized database to improve cross-jurisdiction investigations and prosecutions.