The bill, S.B. No. 476, seeks to enhance the criminal penalties for intoxication manslaughter under specific circumstances. It amends Section 49.09(b-2) of the Penal Code to classify the offense as a first-degree felony if it results in the death of a person, with further stipulations for harsher penalties. Specifically, if the offender was under 18 years old at the time of the offense and violated restrictions related to operating a motor vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device, the penalty could include life imprisonment. Additionally, if the offender is 18 years or older and commits a similar violation, they could face life imprisonment without parole.

The bill also introduces a definition for "ignition interlock device" as per Article 42A.408 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The changes in law will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. Offenses occurring before this date will be governed by the previous law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 49.09 (Penal Code 49)