TX HB544

Expands the eligibility for consecutive sentencing for offenses involving injury to a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual under Section 22.04 of the Penal Code

Currently, consecutive sentences are only allowed for first-degree felony violations of Section 22.04(a)(1) or (2) or Section 22.04(a-1)(1) or (2); the bill removes this limitation to include all offenses under Section 22.04

Allows courts to impose consecutive rather than concurrent sentences when a defendant is convicted of multiple Section 22.04 offenses arising from the same criminal episode

Applies to plea agreements where the accused was charged with more than one offense under Section 22.04

Takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies only to offenses committed on or after that date