Texas HB 1490 creates third-degree felony for operating vehicles with tampered ignition or steering

Original title: Relating to creating a criminal offense for certain conduct involving the unauthorized use of a vehicle.

Last action · March 25, 2025: Referred directly to subcommittee by chairSponsors: Valoree Swanson and 11 others

Bill progressHistory & official text ↓

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

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What This Bill Proposed

Texas HB 1490 establishes a third-degree felony for operating a boat, airplane, or motor-propelled vehicle without the owner's consent and with knowledge that the ignition or steering system has been altered, damaged, or tampered with, effective September 1, 2025.

Why it matters

Elevates criminal penalties from a to a third-degree felony for unauthorized vehicle use involving tampered steering or ignition systems, affecting individuals prosecuted for vehicle tampering offenses on or after September 1, 2025.

Background

Section 31.07 of the Texas Penal Code governs the unauthorized use of a vehicle. context

Who It Would Have Affected

Groups the bill's text would have affected, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Individuals prosecuted for unauthorized use of a vehicle

Individuals face increased felony classifications and potential sentencing enhancements if convicted of operating a vehicle with a tampered ignition or steering system.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for unauthorized vehicle use involving a tampered ignition or steering system under HB 1490?

It is classified as a .

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Where This Stands

This bill did not become law - Died at adjournment · in House committee.

Procedural history

4 actions

Mar 25, 2025House
Referred directly to subcommittee by chair
Mar 11, 2025HouseCommittee
Referred to Criminal Jurisprudence
Mar 11, 2025HouseIntroduced
Read first time
Dec 2, 2024HouseIntroduced
Filed

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

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