Texas HB5379 increases penalties for certain intoxication offenses and creates the offense of continuous driving while intoxicated.

Texas HB5379 amends the Texas Penal Code to increase the punishment for certain intoxication offenses. It elevates the offense of driving while intoxicated with a child passenger to a state jail felony. The bill also creates the criminal offense of continuous driving while intoxicated, which occurs if a person engages in conduct constituting an offense under Section 49.04 two or more times within 12 months. This new offense is a felony of the third degree. The changes apply only to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is September 1, 2025.

Texas HB5379 increases penalties for certain intoxication offenses and creates the offense of continuous driving while intoxicated.

Texas HB5379 amends the Texas Penal Code to increase the punishment for certain intoxication offenses. It elevates the offense of driving while intoxicated with a child passenger to a state jail felony. The bill also creates the criminal offense of continuous driving while intoxicated, which occurs if a person engages in conduct constituting an offense under Section 49.04 two or more times within 12 months. This new offense is a felony of the third degree. The changes apply only to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is September 1, 2025.