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 introduces a rebuttable presumption that an actor interferes with a peace officer or similar personnel if they intentionally disseminate personal information about the officer or their family.

The legislation also clarifies that the presumption of knowledge regarding the status of the assaulted individual as a public servant applies when the individual is identifiable by a distinctive uniform or badge. The changes in law will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that any offenses occurring prior to this date will be governed by the existing law.

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