Bill > HB1713

This bill amends the Texas Penal Code to increase criminal penalties for criminal mischief involving electric vehicle (EV) supply equipment. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision that classifies causing impairment or disruption to EV charging equipment as a felony of the third degree, regardless of the amount of financial loss. This means that intentionally damaging, interfering with, or preventing the use of electric vehicle charging stations would now be treated as a more serious criminal offense. The law defines EV supply equipment according to Section 2311.0101 of the Occupations Code. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to offenses committed on or after that date. The change aims to protect critical infrastructure for electric vehicle charging and discourage deliberate interference with this emerging technology by imposing stricter legal consequences for such actions.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1713