Relating to the punishment for the offense of criminal mischief.
Impact
The bill signifies an important update to the state's legal framework regarding crimes of property damage. By establishing specific monetary thresholds for various classifications of criminal mischief, the bill seeks to create a clearer and more structured approach to enforcement and punishment. This is expected to impact law enforcement and judicial procedures by providing concrete guidelines for assessing the severity of offenses and determining appropriate penalties. The changes introduced by HB 1614 reflect a need for a nuanced understanding of criminal mischief in contemporary society, especially in relation to both public and private property.
Summary
House Bill 1614 aims to amend Section 28.03(b) of the Penal Code, which pertains to the punishment for the offense of criminal mischief. The bill outlines a tiered system of classification for criminal mischief offenses based on the pecuniary loss incurred, distinguishing between misdemeanors and felonies. The categories outlined include Class C, Class B, Class A misdemeanors, and various degrees of felonies, depending on the monetary losses involved in the offense. For instance, an offense resulting in losses of less than $50 would be classified as a Class C misdemeanor, whereas more severe offenses involving losses of $200,000 or more could be deemed felonies of the first degree.
Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for the offense of criminal mischief involving the damage or destruction of a public monument or a place of worship.
Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for the offense of criminal mischief involving tampering with a state-owned barrier or part of a barrier used to prevent travel across the international border of this state.
Relating to catalytic converters, including criminal conduct involving catalytic converters; providing an administrative penalty; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty; increasing a fee.
Relating to catalytic converters, including criminal conduct involving catalytic converters; providing an administrative penalty; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty; increasing a fee.
Relating to the prosecution and punishment of certain criminal offenses involving the smuggling of persons or the operation of a stash house; increasing criminal penalties.