H.B. No. 3236 amends the Texas Penal Code to increase the penalties for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated in a school crossing zone. The bill modifies Section 49.04 by adding a new subsection (e), which states that if a person is found guilty of driving under the influence in a school crossing zone during the applicable reduced speed limit, the offense will be classified as a state jail felony. This change aims to enhance the legal consequences for such dangerous behavior, emphasizing the protection of children in school zones.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the new law will only apply to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. Offenses occurring before this date will be governed by the previous laws in effect at that time. The amendment also retains the existing provisions of Subsection (b), which outlines that a typical offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor with a minimum confinement of 72 hours, unless otherwise specified.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 49.04 (Penal Code 49)