TX HB2383

Requires judges to make an affirmative finding in the judgment if a defendant used metal or body armor during the commission of a Title 5 Penal Code offense (offenses against the person) punishable as a Class A misdemeanor or higher, excluding first-degree felonies

Increases criminal penalties to the next highest offense category when body armor use is confirmed, meaning a third-degree felony would be punished as a second-degree felony, and a second-degree felony as a first-degree felony

For Class A misdemeanors involving body armor use, the minimum term of confinement increases to 180 days rather than elevating the offense category

Applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025; offenses committed before that date remain governed by prior law