Texas lawmakers are taking significant steps to combat credit card fraud with the introduction of House Bill 272, presented by Representative Mary Anne Perez during the Senate Committee on State Affairs meeting on May 19, 2025. This bill aims to enhance the prosecution of fraudulent use or possession of credit card and debit card information, addressing a growing concern in the state.

Texas currently ranks eighth in the nation for credit card fraud, with over 45,000 reports filed in 2022. The urgency for legislative action is underscored by the challenges faced in prosecuting these offenses. In 2019, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 2624, which allowed for the prosecution of credit card abuse, enabling authorities to demonstrate intent to defraud without needing to identify a specific victim. However, the subsequent House Bill 2625, which criminalized the fraudulent use or possession of card information, lacked similar flexibility in venue and intent, complicating legal proceedings.

House Bill 272 seeks to align the provisions of these two bills, ensuring that both can utilize the same venue regulations and intent demonstrations. This alignment is expected to streamline prosecutions and enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement in tackling credit card fraud.

As the committee deliberates on this important legislation, the implications for Texas residents are clear: improved legal frameworks could lead to more effective responses to credit card fraud, ultimately protecting consumers and reducing financial crime in the state. The committee's support for House Bill 272 could mark a pivotal moment in the fight against fraud in Texas.