H.B. No. 5238 amends Section 42.05(a) of the Penal Code to expand the definition of the criminal offense of disrupting a meeting, procession, or gathering. The bill specifies that a person commits an offense if they intend to prevent or disrupt a lawful meeting, whether in person or virtual, and obstructs or interferes with it through various means. The new legal language includes specific actions such as physical action, verbal utterance, or electronic disturbance, which encompasses hacking of any virtual component of the meeting.

The bill clarifies that the changes apply only to offenses committed on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that any offenses occurring before this date will be governed by the previous law. This provision allows for a smooth transition to the new legal framework while maintaining accountability for actions taken under the old law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 42.05 (Penal Code 42)