The bill, S.B. No. 1390, aims to enhance the criminal penalties for burglary of a place of worship by amending Section 30.02 of the Penal Code. It introduces new legal language that classifies burglary of a place of worship as a felony of the first degree if the offender enters with the intent to commit a felony other than felony theft or commits or attempts to commit such a felony. Additionally, it specifies that burglary of a building other than a habitation or a place of worship remains a state jail felony, while burglary of a habitation or a place of worship is classified as a felony of the second degree.

The bill also modifies existing subsections to clarify the penalties associated with different types of premises involved in burglary offenses. Specifically, it removes the reference to subsection (d) and adds a new subsection (e) that outlines the enhanced penalties for offenses committed in places of worship. The changes will apply only to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025, ensuring that any offenses committed prior to this date will be governed by the law in effect at that time.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 30.02 (Penal Code 30)