Bill > HB2001

This bill amends the Texas Penal Code to modify criminal penalties for misuse of official information by introducing a graduated penalty structure based on the financial gain obtained through the offense. Currently, misuse of official information is a third-degree felony, but the new legislation creates a tiered system where the severity of the crime increases with the amount of net pecuniary gain: if the gain is less than $150,000, it remains a third-degree felony; if the gain is between $150,000 and $300,000, it becomes a second-degree felony; and if the gain is $300,000 or more, it becomes a first-degree felony. The bill also repeals a previous subsection of the law and specifies that these changes will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025. This approach aims to provide more proportional punishment for public officials who abuse their positions for financial gain, with more serious penalties for larger financial benefits derived from misconduct.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2001