H.B. No. 4644 proposes to amend the Penal Code regarding the criminal penalties associated with cockfighting. Specifically, the bill reclassifies offenses under certain subsections from a state jail felony to a Class A misdemeanor, while also establishing that offenses under another subsection will be classified as a Class C misdemeanor. The changes aim to reduce the severity of penalties for individuals involved in cockfighting activities.

The bill stipulates that the new classifications will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025. Offenses that occurred prior to this date will continue to be governed by the existing law, ensuring that individuals are subject to the legal framework in place at the time of their offense.

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