HB 2594
AN ACT relating to the venue for the prosecution of certain criminal
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 where certain criminal cases involving stolen intangible property can be prosecuted. Under the new law, prosecution for such offenses can now occur in the county where the victim of the property theft resides, expanding venue options for cases involving stolen intellectual property, financial assets, or other non-physical property. The change aims to provide more flexibility for prosecuting cases of theft involving intangible assets, potentially making it easier for victims to seek legal recourse in their home county.
Bill Text
relating to the venue for the prosecution of certain criminal BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Article 13A.251, Code of Criminal Procedure, is amended by adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows: (a-1) An offense involving intangible personal property that is stolen may be prosecuted in the county in which the person whose property was unlawfully appropriated resides. SECTION 2. Article 13A.501, Code of Criminal Procedure, is Art. 13A.501. ENGAGING IN ORGANIZED CRIMINAL ACTIVITY. Engaging in organized criminal activity may be prosecuted in: (1) any county in which an act is committed to effect an objective of the combination; (2) if the prosecution is based on an offense involving theft of intangible personal property, the county in which the person whose property was unlawfully appropriated (3) if the prosecution is based on an offense classified as a felony under Chapter 32, Penal Code, in any county (4) [(2)] if the prosecution is based on an offense classified as a felony under the Tax Code, any county in which venue is proper under the Tax Code for the offense. SECTION 3. This Act applies only to a criminal case in which the indictment, information, or complaint is presented to the court on or after the effective date of this Act. A criminal case in which the indictment, information, or complaint was presented to the court before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the date the indictment, information, or complaint was presented, and the former law is continued in effect for that SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Bill History
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to the venue for the prosecution of certain criminal
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