TITLE: Relating to creating a criminal offense for certain conduct involving the unauthorized use of a vehicle.

SUMMARY: Relating to creating a criminal offense for certain conduct involving the unauthorized use of a vehicle.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to creating a criminal offense for certain conduct involving the unauthorized use of a vehicle BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 31.07, Penal Code, is amended by amending subsection (a) and (b) to read as follows: (a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly operates another's boat, airplane, or motor-propelled vehicle:[without the effective consent of the owner.] (1) without the effective consent of the owner; or (2) without the effective consent of the owner and with knowledge that the ignition or steering system of the boat, airplane, or motor-propelled vehicle had been altered, damaged, or tampered with. (b) An offense under [this section is a state jail felony] section (a)(1) is a state jail felony. An offense under section (a)(2) is a felony of the third degree. SECTION 2. The change in law made by this Act applies only to an offense committed on or after the effective date of this Act. An offense committed before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the date the offense was committed, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. For purposes of this section, an offense was committed before the effective date of this Act if any element of the offense occurred before that date. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.