Texas House Bill HB1086

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to increasing the criminal penalties for intoxication assault and intoxication manslaughter.

Impact

If passed, HB1086 will redefine the penal structure surrounding intoxication-related offenses, making them considerably more stringent. Specifically, it amends the classification of intoxication offenses: intoxication assault will now be treated as a felony of the second degree rather than the third, and intoxication manslaughter will shift from a second-degree felony to a first-degree felony. This change is intended to align the severity of the punishment with the potential for serious injuries or fatalities resulting from impaired driving.

Summary

House Bill 1086 seeks to amend the Texas Penal Code by increasing the criminal penalties associated with intoxication assault and intoxication manslaughter. This legislation is designed to respond to the severity of offenses involving intoxication that lead to significant harm or death of another individual. By elevating the degree of these crimes, the bill aims to underscore the seriousness of driving under the influence and its consequences.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support from various advocacy groups focused on traffic safety and public health, there may be discussions regarding the adequacy of existing penalties and the effects of further increasing incarceration rates. Moreover, some stakeholders might express concerns about whether harsher penalties would act as a sufficient deterrent for intoxicated driving or merely contribute to overcrowding in the penal system. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, debates are likely to center around balancing public safety with the implications for the judicial system.