Regular Session
Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis
HB5238 amends the Texas Penal Code to explicitly classify the disruption of virtual or hybrid meetings via "electronic disturbance" (including hacking) as a Class B Misdemeanor. Effective immediately, corporations, trade associations, and HOAs conducting business virtually have legal recourse against "Zoom-bombing," provided they maintain the necessary digital evidence to support prosecution.
Rep. Ray Lopez·House Bill·Regular Session
District Attorneys and County Prosecutors • Local Law Enforcement (Police/Sheriff)
This legislation has regulatory implications for the following Texas businesses and organizations:
Standard regulatory changes (effective 2025-05-29). Review during normal business planning.
Affected business types:
lowMinimal cost impact anticipated.
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JD Key Consulting provides strategic guidance on Texas regulatory compliance and legislative impact for your business.
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
JD Key Consulting specializes in Texas regulatory compliance strategy. Work directly with James Dickey—former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas—to understand this bill's impact on your operations and develop an actionable compliance plan.
Schedule a ConsultationInformation 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.
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
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Common questions about HB5238
HB5238 amends the Texas Penal Code to explicitly classify the disruption of virtual or hybrid meetings via "electronic disturbance" (including hacking) as a Class B Misdemeanor. Effective immediately, corporations, trade associations, and HOAs conducting business virtually have legal recourse against "Zoom-bombing," provided they maintain the necessary digital evidence to support prosecution.
HB5238 was authored by Texas Representative Ray Lopez during the Regular Session.
HB5238 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 29, 2025.
HB5238 is enforced by District Attorneys and County Prosecutors and Local Law Enforcement (Police/Sheriff).
The regulatory priority for HB5238 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.
The cost impact of HB5238 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
HB5238 addresses topics including crimes, crimes--miscellaneous, criminal procedure, criminal procedure--sentencing & punishment and electronic information systems.
Key dates for HB5238: Effective date is 2025-05-29. Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.
HB5238 establishes the following penalties: criminal penalty of Class B Misdemeanor (Standard for Texas Penal Code 42.05) for Intentionally preventing or disrupting a lawful virtual meeting or gathering via electronic disturbance, including hacking.. Consult with legal counsel for specific applicability to your situation.
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.
