S.B. No. 826 amends the Texas Penal Code to increase the penalties for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated in a school crossing zone. Specifically, it modifies Subsection (b) to clarify that an offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor, with a minimum confinement term of 72 hours, unless specified otherwise. The bill introduces a new Subsection (e), which states that if a person is found to be operating a vehicle in a school crossing zone during the applicable reduced speed limit, the offense escalates to a state jail felony. Additionally, the bill defines "school crossing zone" as per Section 541.302 of the Transportation Code.

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, ensuring that any elements of the offense that took place prior to the effective date are treated under the former legal framework.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 49.04 (Penal Code 49)
Senate Committee Report: Penal Code 49.04 (Penal Code 49)
Engrossed: Penal Code 49.04 (Penal Code 49)
House Committee Report: Penal Code 49.04 (Penal Code 49)
Enrolled: Penal Code 49.04 (Penal Code 49)