House Bill No. 3498 proposes to increase the criminal penalty for assaulting employees of retail establishments in Texas. The bill amends Section 22.01(b) of the Penal Code to classify such assaults as a felony of the third degree when committed against a person the actor knows is an employee of a retail establishment while on the establishment's property. This addition is part of a broader effort to enhance protections for various individuals, including public servants, emergency personnel, and security officers, by recognizing the specific risks they face in their roles.

In addition to the new provision for retail employees, the bill also removes the previous reference to pregnant individuals in the context of assault, while maintaining protections for other vulnerable groups. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to offenses committed after that date, ensuring that any offenses occurring prior will be governed by the law in effect at the time of the incident.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 22.01 (Penal Code 22)