Texas § PE.12.501 - PENALTY FOR CERTAIN OFFENSES COMMITTED IN RETALIATION FOR OR ON ACCOUNT OF PERSON
Full text of Texas The Texas Constitution § PE.12.501 — PENALTY FOR CERTAIN OFFENSES COMMITTED IN RETALIATION FOR OR ON ACCOUNT OF PERSON, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ PE.12.501. PENALTY FOR CERTAIN OFFENSES COMMITTED IN RETALIATION FOR OR ON ACCOUNT OF PERSON
PENALTY FOR CERTAIN OFFENSES COMMITTED IN RETALIATION FOR OR ON ACCOUNT OF PERSON'S SERVICE OR STATUS AS PUBLIC SERVANT. (a) In this section, "public servant" has the meaning assigned by Section 36.06 . (b) Subject to Subsection (d), the punishment for an offense described by Subsection (c) is increased to the punishment prescribed for the next higher category of offense if it is shown on the trial of the offense that: (1) the offense: (A) was committed against a person the actor knows is a public servant or a member of a public servant's family or household; or (B) involves property that the actor knows belongs to, is under the control of, or is lawfully possessed by a public servant; and (2) the offense was committed in retaliation for or on account of the service or status of the person as a public servant. (c) The increase in punishment authorized by this section applies only to: (1) an offense under Section 21.16 , 21.18 , 21.19 , 22.011 , 28.02 , 28.03 , 30.05 , 33.02 , 42.07 , or 42.072 ; or (2) an offense under Section 32.51 , other than an offense punishable under Subsection (c-1) of that section. (d) If an offense described by Subsection (c) is punishable as a Class A misdemeanor, the minimum term of confinement for the offense is increased to 180 days. If an offense described by Subsection (c) is punishable as a felony of the first degree, the punishment for that offense may not be increased under this section. (e) For purposes of this section, "member of a public servant's family" means a person related to the public servant within the second degree of consanguinity. Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 791 (H.B. 624 ), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2021.
Source: official Texas text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas § PE.12.501
What does The Texas Constitution § PE.12.501 cover?
Section PE.12.501 ("PENALTY FOR CERTAIN OFFENSES COMMITTED IN RETALIATION FOR OR ON ACCOUNT OF PERSON") is part of the The Texas Constitution, the codified statutory law of Texas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Texas § PE.12.501?
A common citation format is "The Texas Constitution § PE.12.501" (Texas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Texas law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Texas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Texas attorney.
How does Texas § PE.12.501 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Texas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Texas.