House Bill No. 3507 amends the Penal Code regarding the classification and punishment for theft offenses in Texas. The bill introduces new criteria for determining the severity of theft charges based on the value of the stolen property and the defendant's prior convictions. Specifically, it establishes that a state jail felony can be charged if the defendant has been previously convicted of theft two or more times but less than five times. Additionally, it creates a third-degree felony classification for thefts involving property valued at $30,000 or more but less than $150,000, or if the defendant has been convicted five or more times but less than ten times for any grade of theft.

The bill also modifies the criteria for second-degree and first-degree felonies, adding that a second-degree felony can be charged if the defendant has been convicted ten or more times for any grade of theft, regardless of the value of the property stolen. The changes will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. Offenses committed before this date will be governed by the previous law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 31.03 (Penal Code 31)