Senate Bill No. 517, introduced by Middleton and Hall, aims to amend the Texas Penal Code regarding gambling offenses and increase the associated criminal penalties. The bill introduces new definitions, including a broader definition of "device" to encompass various electronic, electromechanical, or mechanical contrivances. It also revises the definition of "gambling device" to clarify that it includes any device that offers an opportunity to obtain something of value based on chance, while excluding certain amusement devices that reward players with noncash prizes. Additionally, the term "thing of value" is expanded to include property, money, and gift cards, among other benefits.

The bill significantly increases the severity of penalties for gambling offenses by reclassifying them from Class A misdemeanors to felonies of the third degree. This change applies to multiple sections of the Penal Code, specifically Sections 47.03, 47.04, 47.05, and 47.06, which address various gambling-related offenses. Furthermore, Section 47.02(e) is repealed, and the bill stipulates that the new laws will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that prior offenses are governed by the laws in effect at the time they were committed.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 47.01, Occupations Code 2001.416 (Occupations Code 2001, Penal Code 47)
Senate Committee Report: Penal Code 47.01, Penal Code 47.03, Penal Code 47.04, Penal Code 47.05, Penal Code 47.06, Penal Code 47.02 (Occupations Code 2001, Penal Code 47)
Engrossed: Penal Code 47.01, Penal Code 47.03, Penal Code 47.04, Penal Code 47.05, Penal Code 47.06, Penal Code 47.02 (Occupations Code 2001, Penal Code 47)