Legislative Blog
J.B. Williams, J.D.
4 bills that modify the Penal Code
A Blog about 88th Legislature Laws
A Bit of Background
The following backgrounds help summarize the author's views on both the general topic: Texas and more specifically 88th Legislature Laws as it relates to that topic.
Brief Summary of Texas
Texas is truly a Republic. There are a multitude of items that to modify the state constitution must be modified. So there are times when Constitutional amendments are on the voting ballots. While I sometimes abhor the wording, the concept that all of those legally able to vote in Texas must vote on the change is a good one. And bills in Texas are generally short, making it easier for everyone to understand.
Summary of 88th Legislature Laws
The blogs here will discuss the laws passed by Congress and signed into law, as well as those, passed by Congress and approved by the voters to become law. There are a multitude of laws and each time I post blogs I will notate here the current effective date if it is different from prior blogs. I am currently posting bills that took effect immediately - those bills total 336. I am currently posting regarding larger bills, so each blog covers a single bill.
Blog Summary
HB 3075
HB 3553
HB 3554 - Trafficking increased penalties for specific locations
HB 4337
4 bills that modify the Penal Code
Published: 2026-04-10
HB 3075 - 6 pages
There are laws for operating an unmanned aircraft over a correctional or detention facility. It must be higher than 400 foot above ground level; it cannot make contact with any person or object on the premises; or allow it to be close enough to interfere with the operations. If you violate any of these intentionally or knowingly it is an offense. Of course, the government, law enforcement, those with prior written consent, or those contracting with the government or law enforcement are exempt.
A violation is a Class B misdemeanor. It is increased to Class A misdemeanor if prior conviction. Increased again to a state jail felony if it provides contraband to a person in custody or introduces contraband into the facility.
This is now separated from operating an unmanned aircraft over critical infrastructure.
HB 3553 - 5 pages
Increased penalties for public lewdness; indecent exposure; invasive visual recording; or voyeurism that is committed on the premises of a postsecondary educational institute. This includes career school and colleges under Education Code Section 132.001 - these are non-baccalaureate systems.
Class C misdemeanors become Class B misdemeanors. Class B misdemeanors become Class A misdemeanors. Class A misdemeanors become state jail felony. State jail felony becomes 3rd degree felony. If it is shown there are 2 prior convictions that the category is increased 1 level again.
HB 3554 - 4 pages
Trafficking is getting taken very seriously for those most at risk. Trafficking becomes punishable by life or a term of not more than 99 years and not less than 25 years if the offense was committed:
-
on the premises of a:
- school;
- juvenile detention facility;
- post-adjudication secure correctional facility;
- shelter operating as residential treatment center for runaway youth, foster children, homeless individuals, or persons previously subjected to human trafficking, domestic violence or sexual assault;
- community center for youth services and programs;
- child-care facility;
- within 1,000 feet of official school function or event sponsors by University Interscholastic League
HB 4337 - 4 pages
Covers licenses, certificates, permits, seal, title, letter of patent or similar document issued by a foreign government engage in reciprocal treaty or memorandum of understanding with the US. This covers commercial driver's licenses issued by a foreign government that the US DOT has found to meet the requirements of federal acts and are so authorized by the federal government to work in the US.
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