Bill > HB716

This bill modifies the penalties and enforcement mechanisms for failure to comply with fire marshal orders in certain Texas counties. The bill changes the existing law by expanding the range of people subject to penalties for not following fire marshal orders, and adjusting the severity of criminal penalties based on the circumstances. Specifically, the offense is now a Class C misdemeanor by default, but becomes a Class A misdemeanor if the violation results in bodily injury or death, and escalates to a Class B misdemeanor for repeat offenders, with a third or subsequent violation considered a state jail felony. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision allowing commissioners courts in counties with populations of 4 million or adjacent to such counties to grant certain county peace officers who are certified fire inspectors the authority to issue citations for fire safety order violations in unincorporated areas. These citations are for specific violations related to fire safety orders, can only be issued in the unincorporated county area, and do not authorize arrest, though failure to appear in court can result in a warrant being issued. The changes will apply only to offenses committed on or after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB716