Bill > SB486

This bill amends the Texas Penal Code to add Section 22.04 (injury to a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual) to the list of offenses that can receive increased criminal penalties when committed in a disaster area or evacuated area. Specifically, the bill modifies an existing statute that allows for enhanced punishment by inserting Section 22.04 into the list of applicable offenses. The change means that if someone commits an offense of injury to a vulnerable person during a disaster or evacuation, they could face more severe legal consequences. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to offenses committed on or after that date, with any offenses committed before that date being governed by the previous version of the law. This legislative change aims to provide additional protection for vulnerable populations during times of crisis or emergency.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB486