House Bill No. 1037 amends the Penal Code regarding the classification and punishment of theft offenses in Texas. The bill modifies the thresholds for misdemeanor and felony classifications based on the value of stolen property or services. Specifically, it raises the value threshold for a Class B misdemeanor from $750 to $300, and for a Class A misdemeanor from $750 to $300. Additionally, it adjusts the state jail felony threshold from $2,500 to $750, while also increasing the thresholds for third-degree felonies from $150,000 to $300,000 and for first-degree felonies from $300,000 to $300,000. The bill also introduces new classifications for certain types of stolen property, such as firearms and catalytic converters, which carry specific penalties.

The changes in the law will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. Offenses committed before this date will be governed by the previous law. This bill aims to update and clarify the legal framework surrounding theft offenses, ensuring that penalties are more aligned with the value of the stolen property or services.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 31.03, Penal Code 31.04, Penal Code 31.16 (Penal Code 31)