House Bill No. 2383 proposes amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Penal Code regarding the use of metal or body armor during the commission of an offense. The bill introduces a new section, Article 42.01992, which mandates that if a judge or jury finds beyond a reasonable doubt that a defendant used metal or body armor while committing an offense classified as a Class A misdemeanor or higher (excluding first-degree felonies), an affirmative finding must be recorded in the judgment. Additionally, the bill adds Section 12.503 to the Penal Code, which stipulates that if such an affirmative finding is made, the punishment for the offense will be escalated to the next highest category, with a specific increase in confinement for Class A misdemeanors to a minimum of 180 days.

The changes outlined in this bill will only apply to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that any offenses occurring prior to this date will be governed by the existing laws. This legislation aims to enhance penalties for individuals who commit crimes while using protective gear, thereby addressing concerns about the increased danger posed by such actions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()