Texas House Bill HB1338

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the punishment for the offense of burglary of a vehicle; increasing a criminal penalty.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1338 would affect the classification and penalty structures associated with vehicle burglary in the state of Texas, specifically enhancing penalties for repeat offenders. This change could lead to longer periods of incarceration for those convicted of burglarizing vehicles multiple times, thereby potentially acting as a deterrent to car theft. The changes will only apply to offenses committed on or after the act's effective date, ensuring that it does not retroactively affect previously adjudicated cases.

Summary

House Bill 1338 focuses on modifying the penal code regarding the offense of burglary of a vehicle. Specifically, the bill seeks to increase the penalties associated with this crime, elevating it from a Class A misdemeanor to a state jail felony under certain circumstances. The proposed changes aim to impose stricter consequences on repeat offenders, with provisions specifying that individuals previously convicted of this offense could face enhanced sentencing, thereby reflecting a heightened legislative intent to deter repeat offenses.

Contention

The bill's introduction and subsequent discussion may elicit varying perspectives among stakeholders, particularly regarding the balance between punishment and rehabilitation. Proponents of increasing penalties argue that more severe consequences are necessary to address the rising concerns of vehicle-related crimes and to promote public safety. Conversely, opponents might contend that harsher penalties do not necessarily lead to lower crime rates and raise concerns about the implications for prison overcrowding and the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for non-violent offenders.