The bill, S.B. No. 2426, proposes to increase the criminal penalties for offenses related to dog fighting and cockfighting in Texas. It amends Section 42.10(e) of the Penal Code to establish that, except as otherwise provided, offenses under this section will be classified as state jail felonies. Additionally, it specifies that offenses under Subsection (a)(6) will be classified as Class A misdemeanors, while previous classifications for certain subsections have been removed. Similarly, Section 42.105(g) is amended to reflect that offenses under this section will also be state jail felonies, with specific classifications for other subsections adjusted accordingly.

The bill clarifies that the changes in law will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025. Offenses committed prior to this date will be governed by the law in effect at the time of the offense, ensuring that individuals are not retroactively penalized under the new classifications. This legislative change aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding animal fighting offenses in Texas.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 42.10, Penal Code 42.105 (Penal Code 42)