BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1451 89R10172 MZM-D By: Flores Criminal Justice 3/7/2025 As Filed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT S.B. 1451 addresses the issue of theft and fraud involving checks. The bill increases the criminal penalty for the offense of stealing or receiving a stolen check. The bill amends the Penal Code to elevate this offense from a Class A misdemeanor to a state jail felony. Section 1 amends Section 32.24(b) of the Texas Penal Code. The amendment changes the classification of the offense of stealing or receiving a stolen check or similar sight order from a Class A misdemeanor to a state jail felony. Section 2 specifies the applicability of the change in law. It states that the new classification applies only to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act. For offenses committed before this date, the law in effect at the time of the offense will continue to apply. As proposed, S.B. 1451 amends current law relating to increasing the criminal penalty for the offense of stealing or receiving a stolen check or similar sight order. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 32.24(b), Penal Code, as follows: (b) Provides that an offense under this section is a state jail felony, rather than a Class A misdemeanor. SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 1451
89R10172 MZM-D By: Flores
Criminal Justice
3/7/2025
As Filed
Senate Research Center
S.B. 1451
89R10172 MZM-D
By: Flores
Criminal Justice
3/7/2025
As Filed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
S.B. 1451 addresses the issue of theft and fraud involving checks. The bill increases the criminal penalty for the offense of stealing or receiving a stolen check. The bill amends the Penal Code to elevate this offense from a Class A misdemeanor to a state jail felony.
Section 1 amends Section 32.24(b) of the Texas Penal Code. The amendment changes the classification of the offense of stealing or receiving a stolen check or similar sight order from a Class A misdemeanor to a state jail felony.
Section 2 specifies the applicability of the change in law. It states that the new classification applies only to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act. For offenses committed before this date, the law in effect at the time of the offense will continue to apply.
As proposed, S.B. 1451 amends current law relating to increasing the criminal penalty for the offense of stealing or receiving a stolen check or similar sight order.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 32.24(b), Penal Code, as follows:
(b) Provides that an offense under this section is a state jail felony, rather than a Class A misdemeanor.
SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.