House Bill No. 2461 proposes an amendment to Section 28.03(b) of the Penal Code, which increases the criminal penalty for the offense of criminal mischief specifically related to the impairment or disruption of retail motor fuel pumps. The bill introduces a new provision that categorizes such actions as a felony of the third degree, regardless of the amount of pecuniary loss involved. This addition aims to address the growing concern over the disruption of essential services and the potential impact on public safety and commerce.

The bill also clarifies that the changes will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that any offenses occurring prior to this date will be governed by the existing law. This transitional provision allows for a clear distinction between past and future offenses, maintaining legal consistency for those previously charged under the old statute.

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