The bill amends the definition of "private place" in the Texas Penal Code specifically for gambling-related offenses. The new definition clarifies that a "private place" is one that is not accessible to the public and explicitly excludes locations such as streets, highways, restaurants, taverns, nightclubs, commercial gaming enterprises, schools, hospitals, and common areas of various types of buildings. Additionally, the bill specifies that "commercial gaming enterprise" includes for-profit poker clubs, card clubs, and game rooms.

The changes in the law will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. Offenses that occurred prior to this date will be governed by the previous law, ensuring that any legal proceedings related to those offenses remain unaffected by the new definition.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 47.01 (Penal Code 47)