The bill, S.B. No. 1379, proposes to increase the criminal penalties for forgery in Texas by amending several sections of the Penal Code. Key changes include reclassifying the severity of offenses based on the nature of the forged document and the value of the property or service involved. Specifically, the bill elevates certain forgery offenses from misdemeanors to felonies, with distinctions made for various types of documents such as wills, government records, and financial instruments. For instance, forgery of a will or similar documents is classified as a third-degree felony, while forgery involving property or services valued at $150,000 or more is classified as a first-degree felony.

Additionally, the bill introduces a provision that increases the penalty for forgery offenses committed against elderly individuals, raising the offense to the next higher category. The changes in law will apply only to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. Offenses committed prior to this date will be governed by the existing law. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding forgery and enhance protections for vulnerable populations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 32.21 (Penal Code 32)