Starting September 1, 2025, several major criminal law changes take effect in Texas. Here’s a breakdown of the most impactful measures under Senate Bills—and what they mean for Texans in San Antonio and across South Texas.
1. SB 745: Intoxication Manslaughter Upgraded
Drunk driving deaths involving multiple victims are now prosecuted as first-degree felonies, representing a significant increase from the current second-degree classification. Prosecutors can seek harsher sentencing in these tragic cases involving loss of multiple lives.
(Source Texas Legislature OnlineTexas Policy Research)
2. SB 1300: Organized Retail Theft Penalties Increased
To combat organized retail theft, this bill raises penalties—eliminating Class C misdemeanors and upgrading other penalties by at least one level. It also streamlines prosecution by allowing charges based on aggregated value and permits evidence like unaltered price tags to establish ownership and value.
(Source Varghese SummersettTexas Policy Research Texas Legislature OnlineTexas Policy Research).
3. SB 1499: New Financial Crimes Intelligence Center
A new Financial Crimes Intelligence Center will launch to coordinate state response to payment fraud, including increasing efforts to combat credit card “skimming” operations
(Source KSAT).
4. SB 1809: Gift Card Fraud Now a Felony
Gift card theft or tampering is now considered a felony, with escalating levels of offense severity:
- Fewer than five cards: State jail felony
- 5–10 cards: Third-degree felony
- 10–50 cards: Second-degree felony
- Over 50 cards: First-degree felony
- (Source KSAT)
5. SB 2180: Polygraph-Permit Requirement
Peace officers must now complete training and pass a certification exam before being permitted to administer polygraph tests. This training will be managed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement
(Source KSAT)
6. SB 761: Victim Legal Aid Expansion
This law expands access to legal assistance for victims and their families during criminal trials, ensuring they have support to participate effectively in courtroom proceedings
(Source KSAT)
What This Means for You in South Texas
- Facing DUI charges with fatalities? Expect more aggressive felony prosecutions under SB 745.
- Castroville, Kerrville, New Braunfels residents: Retail or gift card fraud offences now carry much stiffer penalties.
- Targeted by credit card skimmers? SB 1499’s new state center enhances enforcement power.
- A DUI or police questioning case? Be aware that any polygraph must come from a certified officer under SB 2180.
- Victim or family member in a criminal case? SB 761 expands rights and access to courtroom advocacy and support.
How Shawn Brown Law Can Help
With these laws now in effect, it’s more important than ever to have experienced defense. Shawn Brown Law has been trusted across San Antonio and South Texas for over 25 years to handle criminal defense with thorough knowledge, strategic dedication, and personal advocacy.
📞 Available 24/7 at 210-224-8200
ShawnBrownLaw.com – Your rights, our fight.
Key Insights:
- SB 745 escalates intoxicated manslaughter involving multiple fatalities to first-degree felonies
- SB 1300 increases penalties and streamlines prosecution of organized retail theft
- SB 1499 creates a specialized state center to combat payment fraud
- SB 1809 elevates gift card crimes to felony levels
- SB 2180 requires certification for police-administered polygraphs
- SB 761 expands legal support for crime victims in court
