Texas Natural Resources Code 91.143 – False Applications, Reports, and Documents and Tampering With Gauges
(a) A person may not:
(1) make or subscribe any application, report, or other document required or permitted to be filed with the commission by the provisions of Title 102, Revised Civil Statutes of Texas, 1925, as amended, including provisions of this code formerly included in that title, knowing that the application, report, or other document is false or untrue in a material fact;
(2) aid or assist in, or procure, counsel, or advise the preparation or presentation of any of these applications, reports, or other documents that are fraudulent, false, or incorrect in any material matter, knowing them to be fraudulent, false, or incorrect in any material matter;
(3) knowingly simulate or falsely or fraudulently execute or sign such an application, report, or other document;
(4) knowingly procure these applications, reports, or other documents to be falsely or fraudulently executed, or advise, aid in, or connive at this execution; or
(5) knowingly render inaccurate any monitoring device required to be maintained by a commission rule, order, or permit.
(b) A person commits an offense if the person violates this section. An offense under this section is a felony punishable by:
(1) imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for a term of not less than two years or more than five years;
(2) a fine of not more than $10,000; or
(3) both the imprisonment and the fine.
Terms Used In Texas Natural Resources Code 91.143
- Justice: when applied to a magistrate, means justice of the peace. See Texas Government Code 312.011
- Person: includes corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, and any other legal entity. See Texas Government Code 311.005
- Rule: includes regulation. See Texas Government Code 311.005
(c) If other penalties prescribed in Title 102, Revised Civil Statutes of Texas, 1925, as amended, including provisions of this code formerly included in that title, overlap offenses that are also punishable under this section, the penalties prescribed in this section shall be in addition to other penalties.
(d) No application, report, or other document required or permitted to be filed with the commission under Title 102, Revised Civil Statutes of Texas, 1925, as amended, including provisions of this code formerly included in that title, may be required to be under oath, verification, acknowledgment, or affirmation.
(e) The commission may impose an administrative penalty in the manner provided by Sections 81.0531-81.0534 on a person who violates this section. The amount of the penalty may not exceed $1,000 for each violation.