The bill, H.B. No. 1713, proposes an amendment to Section 28.03(b) of the Penal Code to increase the criminal penalties for the offense of criminal mischief that involves impairment or disruption of electric vehicle supply equipment. Specifically, it introduces a new provision that classifies such impairment as a felony of the third degree, regardless of the amount of pecuniary loss incurred. This addition aims to address the growing importance of electric vehicle infrastructure and the need to protect it from criminal activities.

In addition to the new insertion regarding electric vehicle supply equipment, the bill also removes the previous language that included impairment or interruption of property used for public power supply as a separate category under felony penalties. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to offenses committed on or after that date, ensuring that any offenses occurring prior to the effective date will be governed by the existing law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 28.03 (Penal Code 28)