H.B. No. 764, also known as Lauren and CJ's Law, proposes significant changes to the legal framework surrounding intoxication manslaughter offenses in Texas. The bill amends Section 49.08(b) of the Penal Code to establish a minimum term of imprisonment of five years for individuals convicted of intoxication manslaughter, which is classified as a second-degree felony. Additionally, it modifies Article 42A.401 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to require judges to impose a minimum term of imprisonment of five years for community supervision conditions related to this offense, although judges may reduce this minimum to two years under specific circumstances that serve the community's best interest.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new eligibility criteria for parole and mandatory supervision for inmates convicted under Section 49.08. It stipulates that such inmates must serve a minimum of five years of actual calendar time without considering good conduct time before being eligible for parole or mandatory supervision. The changes outlined in this bill will only apply to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that prior offenses remain governed by the laws in effect at the time they were committed.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 49.08, Government Code 508.145, Government Code 508.147 (Government Code 508, Penal Code 49)