TX
Texas House Bill HB2383

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2383

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the use of metal or body armor while committing an offense; increasing a criminal penalty.

Impact

The impact of HB 2383 is multifaceted. By increasing the severity of penalties when an offense is committed while wearing metal or body armor, it addresses concerns regarding individuals who may use such protection to embolden criminal behavior. If enacted, the bill would elevate certain offenses to the level of the next highest penalty category, with specific increases for Class A misdemeanors. This change is intended to align punishment with the increasing risks associated with the use of protective gear during criminal activities.

Summary

House Bill 2383 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Penal Code to impose stricter penalties on individuals who commit offenses while using metal or body armor. The bill mandates that if a trier of fact finds beyond a reasonable doubt that an offender utilized such protective clothing during the commission of an offense, an affirmative finding must be noted in the court's judgment. This provision enhances the documentation and awareness of armor usage in relation to crimes, aiming to deter such behaviors through greater accountability in court proceedings.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 2383 may include discussions on the appropriateness of the increased penalties. Supporters might argue that rising crime rates related to firearm usage and violence necessitate such measures, while opponents may express concerns about over-criminalization and the potential for disproportionately harsh penalties on defendants. Furthermore, the bill's enactment could raise questions regarding the definition and interpretation of what constitutes 'body armor' and its implications for various lawful protective uses in society.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Code Of Criminal Procedure

  • Chapter 42. Judgment And Sentence
    • Section: New Section

Penal Code

  • Chapter 12. Punishments
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX HB108

Duplicate Relating to the use of metal or body armor while committing certain offenses; increasing a criminal penalty.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3816

Relating to the use of metal or body armor while committing an offense; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX HB1728

Relating to the release on bail of certain defendants accused of committing a felony offense and the criminal consequences of committing a felony while released on bail for a prior felony; creating a criminal offense; increasing the minimum term of imprisonment for certain felonies; changing eligibility for deferred adjudication community supervision, mandatory supervision, and parole.

TX HB1402

Relating to the criminal penalties for certain criminal offenses.

TX SB1709

Relating to the prosecution of the offenses of sedition and engaging in organized criminal activity; increasing criminal penalties.

TX HB2330

Relating to the criminal penalties for certain controlled substance offenses; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX HB3553

Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for certain offenses if committed at certain locations.

TX SB224

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.

TX HB4598

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.

TX HB513

Relating to the manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance or marihuana causing death or serious bodily injury; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX SB1482

Relating to the manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance or marihuana causing death or serious bodily injury; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.