The bill, H.B. No. 1795, aims to increase the criminal penalties for offenses related to dog fighting and cockfighting in Texas. It amends Section 42.10(e) of the Penal Code to establish that, except as otherwise provided, offenses under this section are classified as state jail felonies. Specifically, it reclassifies offenses under Subsection (a)(6) from a previous classification to a Class A misdemeanor, while removing the previous classifications for Subsections (a)(4), (5), and (6). Additionally, Section 42.105(g) is amended to similarly classify offenses under this section as state jail felonies, with certain offenses under Subsection (b)(5) being classified as Class A misdemeanors and those under Subsection (b)(6) as Class C misdemeanors, unless there is a prior conviction.

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 before this date will be governed by the law in effect at that time, ensuring that the previous legal framework remains applicable for those cases.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 42.10, Penal Code 42.105 (Penal Code 42)