HB 1789
AN ACT relating to enhancing the criminal penalty for the offense of
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
Increases the criminal penalties for intoxication manslaughter under certain circumstances. Specifically, it elevates the offense to a first-degree felony if the intoxicated person causes the death of a peace officer, firefighter, or emergency medical services personnel while they are performing official duties, or if the intoxicated person kills multiple people during the same incident. The enhanced penalty would apply to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025.
Subject Areas
Bill Text
relating to enhancing the criminal penalty for the offense of intoxication manslaughter in certain circumstances. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 49.09(b-2), Penal Code, is amended to (b-2) An offense under Section 49.08 is a felony of the first degree if it is shown on the trial of the offense that the (1) a person described by Subsection (b-1); or (2) more than one person during the same criminal 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 enhancing the criminal penalty for the offense of
Related Guides
Learn more about tracking Texas legislation and working with lobbyists.
How to Read & Track Texas Bills
Master bill numbering, understand legislative language, and learn effective tracking strategies.
Understanding Texas Legislative Deadlines
Navigate the 140-day session with critical calendar dates and filing deadlines.
How Laws Get Made in Texas
Follow a bill's journey from filing to the governor's desk through committees and floor votes.
When Should Your Business Hire a Lobbyist?
Discover the signs that your business needs professional advocacy at the Texas Capitol.