The bill amends Section 28.02(d) of the Penal Code to modify the classification of arson offenses involving government buildings. Under the new provisions, an arson offense is classified as a felony of the second degree, but it escalates to a felony of the first degree if it results in bodily injury or death, or if the property targeted includes a government building, habitation, or a place of assembly or worship. Notably, the bill removes the previous reference to "a place of assembly or worship" as a qualifying property type for the first-degree felony classification.

The changes introduced by this bill will only apply to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. Offenses that occur before this date will continue to be governed by the existing law, ensuring that any elements of an offense that took place prior to the effective date are treated under the former legal framework.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 28.02 (Penal Code 28)