Bill > HB3507

This bill modifies the Texas Penal Code's theft offense classification by adjusting the severity of criminal charges based on the number of prior theft convictions and the value of stolen property. Specifically, the bill introduces new graduated penalties for repeat theft offenders, creating additional classifications for defendants with two to five, five to ten, and ten or more prior theft convictions. These changes expand the existing theft penalty structure, which previously ranged from a Class C misdemeanor (for theft of property under $100) to a first-degree felony (for theft of property valued at $300,000 or more). The bill also maintains existing provisions for special categories of theft, such as stealing firearms, catalytic converters, livestock, controlled substances, or automated teller machines. The changes will only apply to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, ensuring that prior offenses are still governed by the law in effect at the time they were committed. By creating more nuanced penalty tiers based on repeat offenses, the bill aims to provide a more proportional approach to punishing persistent theft.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3507