Bill > HB5238

This bill amends the Texas Penal Code to expand the criminal offense of disrupting a meeting or procession by updating the existing law to include virtual and electronic forms of interference. Specifically, the bill modifies Section 42.05(a) to criminalize disrupting a lawful meeting, procession, or gathering not just through physical actions or verbal utterances, but also through electronic disturbances such as hacking. The bill broadens the scope of the offense to cover both in-person and virtual events, reflecting the increasing importance of digital gatherings. The changes will apply only to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is September 1, 2025. This means that for any offense with elements occurring before that date, the previous version of the law will still govern. The bill aims to update existing law to address modern methods of disrupting meetings and gatherings in an increasingly digital world.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB5238