House Bill No. 1037 amends the Penal Code regarding the classification and punishment of theft offenses in Texas. The bill modifies the thresholds for various misdemeanors and felonies based on the value of stolen property or services. Specifically, it lowers the threshold for a Class B misdemeanor from $750 to $300, and for a Class A misdemeanor from $750 to $300. Additionally, it raises the threshold for a state jail felony from $2,500 to $750, and adjusts the thresholds for higher felonies accordingly. The bill also introduces new classifications for certain types of stolen property, such as firearms and catalytic converters, and specifies penalties based on the value of the stolen items.

The changes in the law will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025, meaning that any offenses occurring before this date will be governed by the previous law. This ensures that individuals charged with theft prior to the enactment of this bill will not be subject to the new classifications and penalties. Overall, the bill aims to create a more structured and updated framework for addressing theft offenses in Texas.

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