House Bill No. 4644 proposes to reduce the criminal penalties associated with cockfighting in Texas. Specifically, it amends Section 42.105(g) of the Penal Code to classify offenses under Subsections (b)(1) and (b)(2) as a Class A misdemeanor, whereas previously they were categorized as state jail felonies. Additionally, offenses under Subsections (b)(3), (4), and (6) are now designated as Class C misdemeanors, with the previous classification of Class A misdemeanor for certain conditions being removed.

The bill stipulates that the changes will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025. Offenses occurring before this date will continue to be governed by the existing law, ensuring that any legal proceedings for prior offenses remain unaffected by the new legislation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 42.105 (Penal Code 42)