TX
Texas Senate Bill SB476

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB476

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

Caption

Relating to enhancing the criminal penalty for the offense of intoxication manslaughter in certain circumstances.

Impact

The introduction of SB476 reflects a legislative intent to deter intoxicated driving by imposing harsher consequences, particularly for those who have already shown a disregard for prescribed safety measures like the ignition interlock device. This could result in a shift in judicial outcomes for intoxication manslaughter cases, making it imperative for offenders to comply strictly with the law. As a result, legal practitioners, law enforcement agencies, and stakeholders in public safety will need to adapt to the new legal framework and its implications for prosecuting and defending such cases.

Summary

SB476 aims to enhance the criminal penalties associated with the offense of intoxication manslaughter under specific circumstances. The bill introduces provisions that escalate the severity of the offense to a felony of the first degree in cases where the person causing death had prior restrictions on operating a motor vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device. This enhancement is particularly applicable if the offender circumvents these restrictions, thereby increasing the accountability for those who pose a significant risk to public safety due to reckless behavior when driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Contention

The potential impact of SB476 on state law raises discussions regarding the balance between public safety and the rights of offenders. Critics may argue that increasing penalties could disproportionately affect younger offenders, especially those under the age of 18, who may not fully comprehend the long-term ramifications of their actions. This raises ethical considerations about the effectiveness and fairness of punitive measures and the need for rehabilitative approaches rather than solely punitive responses to intoxication offenses.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Penal Code

  • Chapter 49. Intoxication And Alcoholic Beverage Offenses
    • Section: 09

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1310

Relating to enhancing the criminal penalty for the offense of intoxication manslaughter in certain circumstances.

TX SB726

Relating to enhancing the criminal penalty for the offense of intoxication manslaughter in certain circumstances.

TX HB2915

Relating to the offense of providing or requesting or allowing another to provide a breath specimen for an ignition interlock device; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB1402

Relating to the criminal penalties for certain criminal offenses.

TX HB1163

Relating to creating the criminal offense of boating while intoxicated with a child passenger; changing the eligibility for deferred adjudication community supervision.

TX HB1375

Relating to enhancing the criminal penalties for certain repeat and habitual offenders.

TX SB233

Relating to the offense of manslaughter; increasing the criminal penalty for certain offenders.

TX SB947

Relating to creating a criminal offense for damaging certain critical infrastructure facilities and providing for the prosecution of that conduct as manslaughter in certain circumstances; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX HB208

Relating to the punishment for certain controlled substance offenses committed in a drug-free zone; increasing criminal penalties.

TX HB2997

Relating to creating a criminal offense for damaging certain critical infrastructure facilities and providing for the prosecution of that conduct as manslaughter in certain circumstances; increasing a criminal penalty.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.