| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Neutral | Neutral | Positive | Neutral | Positive |
Relating to enhancing the punishment for certain conduct constituting the criminal offense of aggravated assault.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
HB 3934 would create a new penalty enhancement under the offense of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. If the victim suffers a traumatic brain or spine injury that results in a vegetative state or irreversible paralysis, the offense would be raised from a second-degree felony to first-degree felony.
Texas Action supports HB 3934 because it would advance personal responsibility and individual liberty. Meaningful distinctions should be made in criminal law based on the seriousness of the offense, including injuries suffered by the victim. Putting a victim in a permanent vegetative state or state of paralysis is a degree of severity higher than many serious bodily injuries, as current law defines them. HB 3934 would make a correct distinction for more serious injuries, thus holding offenders accountable.