Bill > HB379

This bill modifies Texas law regarding caller identification (caller ID) misrepresentation by changing the legal standard and penalties for displaying false caller information. Previously, the offense required intent to defraud or cause harm, but the new law removes that prerequisite, making it illegal to display misrepresented caller ID information regardless of intent. The offense is now classified as a Class B misdemeanor by default, but becomes a Class A misdemeanor if the actor intended to defraud or cause harm. The bill also introduces an affirmative defense, which means a person can avoid prosecution if the displayed phone number is a working number that legally belongs to the actor, their employer, coworker, legal contractor, or volunteer organization. The changes will apply only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, with previous offenses still governed by the law in effect at the time they were committed. This legislation aims to provide clearer legal guidelines and protections against caller ID spoofing or misrepresentation.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB379