H.B. No. 3665 proposes to increase the criminal penalties for assault offenses committed against certain public servants, including peace officers, community supervision and corrections department officers, and emergency services personnel. The bill amends Sections 22.01 and 38.15 of the Penal Code, establishing that assault against these individuals while they are performing their duties will be classified as a Class B misdemeanor. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the actor is presumed to have known the person assaulted was a public servant if the individual was wearing a distinctive uniform or badge.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a rebuttable presumption in prosecutions for interference with public duties, indicating that if an actor intentionally disseminates personal information about a peace officer or their family, it can be assumed that they interfered with the officer's duties. The changes in law will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 22.01, Penal Code 38.15 (Penal Code 22, Penal Code 38)