Regular Session
Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis
SB1451 reclassifies the theft or receipt of a stolen check from a Class A misdemeanor to a State Jail Felony, effective September 1, 2025. This legislation significantly increases the criminal liability for internal employee fraud and external mail theft, providing businesses with stronger leverage for prosecution and restitution, provided their internal evidence chains meet felony standards.
Sen. Peter Flores·Senate Bill·Regular Session
District Attorneys/State Prosecutors • Local Law Enforcement
This legislation has regulatory implications for the following Texas businesses and organizations:
Standard regulatory changes (effective 2025-09-01). Review during normal business planning.
Affected business types:
lowMinimal cost impact anticipated.
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JD Key Consulting provides strategic guidance on Texas regulatory compliance and legislative impact for your business.
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
JD Key Consulting specializes in Texas regulatory compliance strategy. Work directly with James Dickey—former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas—to understand this bill's impact on your operations and develop an actionable compliance plan.
Schedule a ConsultationInformation presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
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Common questions about SB1451
SB1451 reclassifies the theft or receipt of a stolen check from a Class A misdemeanor to a State Jail Felony, effective September 1, 2025. This legislation significantly increases the criminal liability for internal employee fraud and external mail theft, providing businesses with stronger leverage for prosecution and restitution, provided their internal evidence chains meet felony standards.
SB1451 was authored by Texas Senator Peter Flores during the Regular Session.
SB1451 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.
SB1451 is enforced by District Attorneys/State Prosecutors and Local Law Enforcement.
The regulatory priority for SB1451 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.
The cost impact of SB1451 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
SB1451 addresses topics including crimes, crimes--against property, crimes--miscellaneous, criminal procedure and criminal procedure--general.
Key dates for SB1451: Effective date is 2025-09-01. Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.
SB1451 establishes the following penalties: criminal penalty of Reclassified as State Jail Felony (mandatory 180 days to 2 years confinement; optional fine up to $10,000) for Stealing or receiving a stolen check or similar sight order (Texas Penal Code Section 32.24). Consult with legal counsel for specific applicability to your situation.
SB1451 primarily affects property owners and real estate professionals. These businesses should review the legislation with their legal and compliance teams to understand potential impacts.
JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.
