The bill amends Section 28.02(d) of the Penal Code to enhance the penalties for the offense of arson involving a government building. Under the new provisions, the offense will be classified as a felony of the first degree if it results in bodily injury or death, or if the property intended to be damaged or destroyed includes a government building, habitation, or a place of assembly or worship. The previous law only specified a place of assembly or worship as a qualifying property type for the first-degree felony classification.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that the changes will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025. Offenses occurring before this date will be governed by the law in effect at the time of the offense, ensuring that individuals are prosecuted under the legal standards that were in place when their actions took place.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 28.02 (Penal Code 28)
House Committee Report: Penal Code 28.02 (Penal Code 28)