Legislative Blog
J.B. Williams, J.D.
7 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 28 - Spinal injury or traumatic brain injury may enhance a charge
HB 55
HB 165 - Mass shooting defined and added enhanced charge
HB 598
HB 611
HB 1163
HB 1427
7 bills that modify the Penal Code
Published: 2026-04-01
HB 28 - 3 pages
A traumatic brain injury or spine injury that results in persistent vegetative state or irreversible paralysis enhances a felony of the second degree to a felony of the first degree.
HB 55 - 3 pages
Indecent assault is considered a Class A misdemeanor unless it is shown that the defendant previously was convicted under this offense or it was committed by a health care services provider committed during the course of treatment and is beyond the scope of generally accepted practices for the treatment. It then becomes a state jail felony.
If this was committed by a health care service provider who was previously convicted of this, then it becomes a felony of the third degree.
HB 165 - 4 pages
A mass shooting is one where a firearm is discharged to attempt or actually causes serious bodily injury or death to 4 or more persons. It must either occur during the same criminal transaction or during the same scheme or course of conduct.
If the assault is punishable as a felony of the first degree than sentences run consecutively. An offense is second degree felony, except now becomes first degree felony if the assault is part of a mass shooting. There are other exceptions but those did not get modified.
HB 598 - 2 pages
If a person is convicted of animal cruelty, then they may not be in possession of an animal for 5 years.
HB 611 - 3 pages
It is a class B misdemeanor to post a residential address or phone number of a person with the intent to cause harm or a threat of harm. It becomes a Class A misdemeanor if it results in bodily injury of the person or a member of their household.
HB 1163 - 13 pages
It is a state jail felony if a person is operating a watercraft while intoxicated and having a passenger under 15 years old. I'm surprised this was not already true because there are enhanced penalties for children under specific ages being present when operating a motor vehicle under the influence, and both could lead to serious injury or death of the child.
HB 1427 - 3 pages
A harassment offense now includes it, with intent to harass, annoy, alarm, abuse, torment, or embarrass another; the person makes obscene, intimidating, or threatening calls or by other electronic means from a temporary or disposable number provided by an Internet application or other technological means.
Webpage created by and for J.B. Williams, J.D. - all rights reserved