Bill > SB46

This bill modifies the Texas Penal Code's section on official oppression by expanding criminal penalties for public servants who misuse their official authority. Currently, official oppression is typically a Class A misdemeanor, but the bill creates additional felony-level offenses. Specifically, if a public servant intentionally manipulates data reported to the Texas Education Agency's Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS), they can be charged with a third-degree felony. For peace officers, the bill establishes a second-degree felony if they cause bodily injury, threaten imminent bodily injury, cause serious bodily injury, or use a deadly weapon while committing official oppression. The bill also clarifies that if the same conduct could be prosecuted under multiple legal sections, the actor may be charged under either or both sections. These changes will take effect on January 1, 2026, and will only apply to offenses committed on or after that date, with previous offenses still governed by the law in effect at the time of the offense.

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=891&Bill=SB46