Legislative Blog
J.B. Williams, J.D.
5 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 1589 - Increased charges for assault
HB 1730 - Increased charges for indecent exposure
HB 1760
HB 1833 - Criminal mischief of public power supply
HB 1910
5 bills that modify the Penal Code
Published: 2026-04-06
Multiple short modifications
HB 1589 - 5 pages
Assaults are generally Class A misdemeanors. They become third degree felonies under specific circumstances. One of those is the defendant was previously convicted of the offense committed against a person whom they were dating; a person considered family; or are residing in the same household. The offense must also fall under this chapter, the kidnapping section, aggravated kidnapping, indecency with a child; or continuous family violence. It could also involve repeatedly violations of specific court orders. (Those often involve the same offenses listed.)
HB 1730 - 2 pages
Indecent exposure is generally a Class B misdemeanor. It becomes a Class A misdemeanor if there was 1 prior conviction. It becomes a state jail felony if there was 2 or more prior convictions.
HB 1760 - 5 pages
It is an offense to carry a firearm, location-restricted knife, club or prohibited weapon to a school or postsecondary educational institution. This includes any ground or buildings owned by the institution. There is an exception with written authorization.
HB 1833 - 4 pages
There were already listed laws for when the offense of criminal mischief involving a public power supply were increased. Some additional modifications for when it is a 3rd degree felony. The pecuniary loss must be less than $150,000 and there was a whole or partial impairment of public power supply or there was a diversion of the public power supply. Larger amounts of pecuniary loss had higher levels of increased charges already.
HB 1910 - 2 pages
It is presumed that one in possession of forge currency intended to obtain goods or services of equal value.
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