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Signed Into Law
Signed June 20, 2025Effective 2025-06-20
HB2017

Regular Session

Relating to increasing the criminal penalty and changing the eligibility for community supervision, mandatory supervision, and parole for certain persons convicted of intoxication manslaughter.

Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis

HB2017: Government Affairs Overview

HB2017 ("Grayson’s Law") creates a new, severe liability standard for fleet operators by mandating a 10-year minimum prison sentence for intoxication manslaughter if the driver has a prior DWI and is in violation of state illegal entry laws. While this is a criminal statute, it effectively establishes a "per se" negligence trap for employers; failing to identify drivers with this specific risk profile (DWI history + immigration status issues) exposes companies to catastrophic "nuclear verdicts" under negligent entrustment theories.

Rep. Stan Gerdes·House Bill·Regular Session

Low
Low Cost
Effective:2025-06-20

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HB2017
Relating to increasing the criminal penalty and changing the eligibility for community supervision, mandatory supervision, and parole for certain pers...
Low Urgency
Heavily Contested
House Vote117 - 28
YEA
NAY
81% in favor145 voting
Senate Vote26 - 5
YEA
NAY
84% in favor31 voting
33
Total Opposition Votes
Cost Impact
Low
Effective
2025-06-20
Enforcing Agencies
BPPTexas Criminal CourtsTexas Department of Criminal Jus...
Primary Author: Rep. Stan Gerdes
89th Texas Legislature
jdkey.com
01

Compliance Analysis

Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation

Implementation Timeline

  • Effective Date: June 20, 2025 (Immediate effect due to supermajority passage).
  • Compliance Deadline: June 20, 2025. You must ensure no drivers currently operating company vehicles fit the enhanced penalty profile by this date.
  • Agency Rulemaking: None. This is a Penal Code enhancement enforced by the courts; there is no "grace period" or regulatory rollout.

Immediate Action Plan

  • 1. Immediate Roster Audit: Run fresh MVRs and criminal background checks on all employees with driving duties before June 20.
  • 2. Cross-Reference Check: Specifically flag any driver with a prior DWI. If flagged, immediately re-verify their I-9 and work authorization status.
  • 3. Update Fleet Policy: Revise safety manuals to mandate immediate termination of driving duties upon any DWI arrest, regardless of conviction status.
  • 4. Notify Brokers: Consult your insurance broker regarding "Negligent Entrustment" coverage limits in light of these new criminal enhancements.

Operational Changes Required

Contracts

  • Master Service Agreements (MSAs): You must amend agreements with logistics, delivery, and construction subcontractors. Insert clauses requiring vendors to certify that no drivers assigned to your projects have disqualifying prior DWI convictions combined with unresolved immigration status.
  • Indemnification: Strengthen indemnity clauses to specifically cover criminal acts by subcontractor employees, explicitly referencing enhanced penalties under HB2017.

Hiring/Training

  • Vetting Protocol Integration: Siloed background checks are no longer sufficient. You must cross-reference Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) with Work Authorization (I-9) data. A candidate with a prior DWI is now a critical liability if their work authorization is tenuous.
  • Continuous Monitoring: Implement "infinity monitoring" for driver licenses. Annual checks are insufficient; you need real-time alerts for any new DWI arrest to pull the driver immediately.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

  • Enhanced Driver Qualification Files (DQF): Document the specific dates of MVR reviews and work authorization verifications. In the event of an accident, these records will be your primary defense against gross negligence claims.
  • I-9 Audits: Conduct an immediate internal audit of I-9 forms for all drivers. Ensure Section 2 (Employer Review) is perfectly executed to prove good faith verification of status.

Fees & Costs

  • Insurance Premiums: Anticipate scrutiny from excess/umbrella carriers. Underwriters may demand higher deductibles or exclude coverage for drivers with *any* prior alcohol-related offenses to avoid the risk associated with this statute.
  • Background Check Costs: Budget for increased spending on continuous MVR monitoring services.

Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations

  • Definition of "Violation of Chapter 51": The statute ties the penalty to the Texas Penal Code for "Illegal Entry." It is legally ambiguous whether a driver with a *lapsed* visa (civil violation) versus one who crossed illegally (criminal violation) triggers the enhancement.
  • *Business Logic:* Do not rely on this distinction. If a driver lacks active, verifiable work authorization, they are a liability.
  • Prosecutorial Discretion: Enforcement intensity will vary by county. However, civil liability exists regardless of whether the local DA pursues the maximum criminal enhancement.

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Information presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.

02

Legislative Timeline

This bill's path through the Texas Legislature

Filed
Jan 22, 2025
Passed House
May 6, 2025
Passed Senate
May 26, 2025
Signed
Jun 20, 2025
Effective
Jun 20, 2025
TopicsAliensCorrectionsCorrections--parole, Probation & PardonsCrimesCrimes--against PersonsCrimes--against Persons--generalCriminal ProcedureCriminal Procedure--sentencing & PunishmentGrayson's LawMandatory & Community SupervisionGood Conduct Time
03

House Authors

Rep. Stan GerdesRepublican · Primary Author
Joint Authors
Coauthors (7)

Senate Sponsor

Sen. Brent HagenbuchRepublican · Primary Sponsor

Bill Text(with markup)

View bill text in multiple formats on Texas Legislature website

Fiscal NoteView Original

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Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about HB2017

Q

What does Texas HB2017 do?

HB2017 ("Grayson’s Law") creates a new, severe liability standard for fleet operators by mandating a 10-year minimum prison sentence for intoxication manslaughter if the driver has a prior DWI and is in violation of state illegal entry laws. While this is a criminal statute, it effectively establishes a "per se" negligence trap for employers; failing to identify drivers with this specific risk profile (DWI history + immigration status issues) exposes companies to catastrophic "nuclear verdicts" under negligent entrustment theories.

Q

Who authored HB2017?

HB2017 was authored by Texas Representative Stan Gerdes during the Regular Session.

Q

When was HB2017 signed into law?

HB2017 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.

Q

Which agencies enforce HB2017?

HB2017 is enforced by Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP), Texas Criminal Courts and Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Q

How significant are the changes in HB2017?

The regulatory priority for HB2017 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.

Q

What is the cost impact of HB2017?

The cost impact of HB2017 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

Q

What topics does HB2017 address?

HB2017 addresses topics including aliens, corrections, corrections--parole, probation & pardons, crimes and crimes--against persons.

Q

What are the key dates for HB2017?

Key dates for HB2017: Effective date is 2025-06-20. Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.

Q

What are the penalties under HB2017?

HB2017 establishes the following penalties: criminal penalty of Enhancement to First Degree Felony; Mandatory minimum 10 years actual calendar time served before parole eligibility; Ineligible for community supervision (probation) for Intoxication manslaughter (PC 49.08) committed by a defendant who has a prior DWI conviction AND is in violation of Penal Code Chapter 51 (Illegal Entry/Presence) at the time of the offense. Consult with legal counsel for specific applicability to your situation.

Need Strategic Guidance on This Legislation?

JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.

Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: January 11, 2026