Texas House Bill HB1787

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the punishment for the criminal offense of theft.

Impact

The introduction of HB 1787 may have lasting effects on law enforcement and judicial proceedings regarding theft cases in Texas. The bill modifies previous classifications, thereby encouraging a more structured approach to penalizing theft based on the monetary worth of the stolen items. Advocates of the bill may argue that the changes help deter crime by imposing substantial consequences for higher value theft, which they believe would lead to a decrease in such incidents. This could alter the dynamics of security and property protection measures adopted by businesses and individuals in the state.

Summary

House Bill 1787 aims to amend Section 31.03 of the Penal Code concerning the punishment for theft-related offenses. This bill redefines the classifications of theft based on the value of stolen property, potentially affecting the severity of penalties for various theft offenses. The revisions include stipulations for offenses classified as misdemeanors and felonies, distinguishing them based on escalating property values, which range from Class C misdemeanors for property valued under $100 to first-degree felonies for thefts exceeding $300,000 in value. Additionally, specific types of stolen property, such as firearms and agricultural animals, are treated with heightened severity in terms of penal consequences.

Contention

Though HB 1787 aims to streamline the classification of theft offenses and their corresponding penalties, discussions may arise regarding whether the new thresholds are appropriate. Critics may raise concerns regarding the implications for minor theft incidents, suggesting that harsher penalties could overwhelmingly punish individuals for offenses perceived as less severe. Furthermore, the distinctions made for certain property types may spur debates about socioeconomic factors and how they relate to theft crimes, particularly for low-income individuals facing economic hardships.