On September 1, 2025, a series of new Texas laws officially went into effect. These changes bring tougher penalties for intoxication manslaughter, retail theft, financial crimes, and fraud. They also expand resources for crime victims in court and place new restrictions on substances like THC vape pens. For people in Conroe, Montgomery County, and the greater Houston area, these updates could have serious consequences, especially for anyone facing criminal charges or dealing with legal disputes.
Here’s a breakdown of the most important changes and what they mean for local residents.
Tougher Penalties for Intoxication Manslaughter (SB 745)
Senate Bill 745 increases penalties in cases where a DWI accident leads to multiple fatalities. Instead of being classified as a second-degree felony, these tragic cases are now prosecuted as first-degree felonies.
For drivers in Montgomery County, this means the stakes are higher than ever if accused of intoxication manslaughter. First-degree felonies carry harsher sentencing, including the possibility of decades in prison.
Key points for drivers:
- DWI crashes involving multiple deaths now count as first-degree felonies
- Potential sentences include life in prison and steep fines
- A strong legal defense is essential to protect rights and work toward reduced penalties
Organized Retail Theft Crackdown (SB 1300)
Retail theft has been a growing issue across Texas, especially in larger cities and suburban shopping centers. Senate Bill 1300 raises the penalties for organized retail theft by eliminating Class C misdemeanor charges and bumping all other theft penalties up by at least one level
Prosecutors also have new authority to combine the value of stolen goods into a single charge, making it easier to seek harsher punishment.
What this means locally:
- The Woodlands Mall, Conroe shopping centers, and Houston-area retailers will see tighter enforcement
- Even smaller thefts could result in harsher charges due to aggregated values
- Defendants face higher risks of jail time, heavy fines, and permanent criminal records
Gift Card Fraud Now a Felony (SB 1809)
Gift card fraud is another area where penalties just got tougher. Under Senate Bill 1809, the level of felony depends on the number of cards involved. Even fewer than five cards can now trigger a state jail felony, while larger numbers could lead to a first-degree felony.
In retail-heavy areas like The Woodlands Mall or major Houston outlets, these laws create significant exposure for defendants accused of tampering with or stealing gift cards.
What Montgomery County residents need to know:
- Fewer than 5 cards: state jail felony
- 5–10 cards: third-degree felony
- 10–50 cards: second-degree felony
- Over 50 cards: first-degree felony with severe penalties
Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (SB 1499)
Financial fraud continues to rise across Texas, from credit card skimming to identity theft. Senate Bill 1499 establishes a new Financial Crimes Intelligence Center to coordinate investigations and prosecutions across the state.
For Montgomery County residents, this means stronger enforcement and more aggressive pursuit of fraud-related cases. Local law enforcement will now have direct support from this state-level agency.
How this impacts local residents:
- More resources for investigating credit card skimming and online fraud
- Increased cooperation between state agencies and local law enforcement
- Defendants facing computer crimes or financial fraud charges may see more complex cases with stronger evidence
Expanded Legal Support for Victims (SB 761)
Senate Bill 761 increases access to courtroom legal aid for victims and their families. This means victims of crimes like assault, family violence, and theft will have broader support during trials.
While this law is designed to protect victims, it also changes the dynamic in court. Defendants may now face cases where victims have stronger advocacy, which makes experienced legal defense even more important.
Impacts for local residents:
- Victims gain expanded rights and representation in criminal proceedings
- Assault and family violence cases may involve additional legal pressure
- Defendants need strong defense strategies to ensure fair treatment in court
THC Vape Pen Ban (SB 2024)
The Texas Legislature has also banned the sale of THC vape pens, closing a loophole that previously made enforcement difficult. With this new law, possession, sale, or distribution of these products can lead to criminal charges.
In areas like Houston, where vape products are widely available, residents need to be aware that THC cartridges and pens are no longer legal.
What this means locally:
- THC vape pen sales are banned statewide
- Possession could result in serious drug-related charges
- Montgomery County law enforcement will be stepping up enforcement in smoke shops and retail stores
New Measures Related to Public Safety (SB 1262)
The regular legislative session also produced several new measures designed to strengthen public safety. These laws expand the authority of law enforcement and prosecutors in certain cases while focusing on harsher sentencing for violent or repeat offenses.
Key public safety takeaways:
- More tools for law enforcement to pursue high-risk offenders
- Expanded sentencing guidelines for certain violent crimes
- Stronger support for prosecutors in Montgomery County and Houston-area courts
Texas Data Privacy & Security Act (HB 4)
Another major change is the Texas Data Privacy & Security Act, which focuses on protecting personal data collected by businesses and organizations. While this law is not a criminal statute in the traditional sense, it does create new rules around consumer privacy that could lead to both civil and criminal consequences if violated.
Impacts for Montgomery County residents:
- Stronger protections for personal data and online information
- Tighter requirements for businesses handling consumer information
- Potential for criminal investigations in cases of data theft or security violations
What These Laws Mean for Montgomery County Residents
Together, these new laws reshape how the courts in Montgomery County will handle certain crimes. From tougher penalties to increased victim support, prosecutors and law enforcement now have more tools at their disposal.
Local takeaways:
- Montgomery County courts will push harder on DWI, theft, drug, and fraud cases
- Law enforcement has expanded authority for investigations
- Defendants must work with skilled attorneys who understand these changes and how to protect their rights
Why Legal Defense Matters Under New Texas Laws
The new Texas laws that took effect in September 2025 bring tougher penalties and expanded prosecution powers. For Montgomery County residents, this means facing higher risks if charged with crimes like intoxication manslaughter, theft, fraud, or THC-related offenses.
As criminal defense attorneys in Conroe, we understand how these updates will impact local cases. We represent clients across Montgomery County and the greater Houston area, offering experienced guidance for those accused under the new laws. Whether the charge involves a DWI, theft, or fraud-related offense, our team works to protect rights and pursue the best possible outcome.
Do you have questions about how these new laws might affect your case? Schedule a free consultation and let an experienced attorney fight for your future.
