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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the notice to vacate the premises in forcible entry and |
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detainer actions. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 24.005, Property Code, is amended by |
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adding Subsection (j) to read as follows: |
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(j) The notice to vacate must contain the following or |
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substantially similar language: |
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A PERSON WHO INTENTIONALLY OR KNOWINGLY DAMAGES OR DESTROYS |
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THE PROPERTY THAT IS THE SUBJECT OF THIS NOTICE TO VACATE COMMITS A |
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CRIME AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO A FINE, IMPRISONMENT, OR BOTH A FINE AND |
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IMPRISONMENT. DEPENDING ON THE AMOUNT OF LOSS INCURRED BY THE OWNER |
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OF THE PROPERTY, THE CRIME MAY BE A MISDEMEANOR OR A FELONY. |
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SECTION 2. This Act applies only to a notice to vacate the |
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premises in a forcible entry and detainer action that is given on or |
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after the effective date of this Act, without regard to whether the |
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action commenced before, on, or after that date. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009. |