TX HB5238

Amends Texas Penal Code Section 42.05(a) to expand the criminal offense of disrupting a lawful meeting, procession, or gathering to include both in-person and virtual events

Adds "electronic disturbance, including hacking" as a third method of committing the offense, alongside physical action and verbal utterance

Electronic disturbances targeting any virtual component of a meeting, procession, or gathering now constitute a criminal offense

Changes apply only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025; prior offenses remain governed by former law

Passed the House on May 2, 2025 (134-1) and the Senate on May 16, 2025 (31-0)