Bill > HB4718

This bill modifies the Texas Penal Code to address how assault charges are treated for individuals undergoing emergency mental health detention or treatment. Specifically, the bill removes enhanced punishment provisions for assault when the offender is either being detained under an emergency mental health order or is currently subject to pending court-ordered mental health services or inpatient mental health treatment. The legislation means that individuals in mental health crisis who commit assault will not face increased criminal penalties that would typically apply to assaults against certain protected classes of victims. 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 continuing to be governed by the previous legal standard. This change appears to recognize the potential complications and vulnerabilities of individuals experiencing mental health emergencies and seeks to provide them with more equitable treatment within the criminal justice system.

Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4718