The bill, S.B. No. 476, aims to enhance the criminal penalties for intoxication manslaughter under specific circumstances. It amends Section 49.09(b-2) of the Penal Code to classify an offense as a first-degree felony if it results in the death of a person, with additional stipulations for offenders under 18 years of age or those 18 and older. For individuals under 18, the offense can lead to life imprisonment if they were operating a vehicle without a functioning ignition interlock device, which they were legally required to use. Similarly, for those 18 and older, the same penalty applies under the same conditions regarding the ignition interlock device.

Additionally, the bill 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 committed prior to this date will be governed by the existing laws at that time.

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