HB 1490
AN ACT relating to creating a criminal offense for certain conduct
89th Regular Session
Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended
Awaiting Committee Assignment
Bill filed, pending referral to House committee
Committee
Not yet assigned
Fiscal Note
Not available
What This Bill Does
Modifies Texas law regarding unauthorized vehicle use, creating stricter penalties for operating someone else's boat, airplane, or motor-propelled vehicle without the owner's consent. If a person operates a vehicle without consent, it remains a state jail felony, but if they also knowingly operate a vehicle with an altered or damaged ignition or steering system, the offense becomes a third-degree felony. The law applies to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, providing clearer legal consequences for vehicle theft and tampering.
Subject Areas
Bill Text
relating to creating a criminal offense for certain conduct involving the unauthorized use of a vehicle BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 31.07, Penal Code, is amended by amending subsection (a) and (b) to read as follows: (a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly operates another's boat, airplane, or motor-propelled vehicle: [without the effective consent of the owner.] (1) without the effective consent of the owner; or (2) without the effective consent of the owner and with knowledge that the ignition or steering system of the boat, airplane, or motor-propelled vehicle had been altered, damaged, or (b) An offense under [this section is a state jail felony] section (a)(1) is a state jail felony. An offense under section (a)(2) is a felony of the third degree. SECTION 2. The change in law made by this Act applies only to an offense committed on or after the effective date of this Act. An offense committed before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the date the offense was committed, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. For purposes of this section, an offense was committed before the effective date of this Act if any element of the offense occurred SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Bill Sponsors
Legislators who authored or co-sponsored this bill.
Bill History
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to creating a criminal offense for certain conduct
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