Regular Session
Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis
SB1379 drastically escalates criminal penalties for forgery effective September 1, 2025, converting many common internal fraud and document offenses from misdemeanors to felonies. This legislation immediately impacts corporate risk profiles, internal investigation protocols, and "termination for cause" thresholds for all Texas businesses, particularly in finance, real estate, and procurement.
Sen. Peter Flores·Senate Bill·Regular Session
This legislation has regulatory implications for the following Texas businesses and organizations:
Notable regulatory updates (effective 2025-09-01). Consider how these changes may affect your operations.
Affected business types:
lowMinimal cost impact anticipated.
JD Key Consulting provides government affairs and regulatory strategy services. We help businesses navigate Texas agencies, understand legislative impacts, and advocate for their interests.
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 SB1379
SB1379 drastically escalates criminal penalties for forgery effective September 1, 2025, converting many common internal fraud and document offenses from misdemeanors to felonies. This legislation immediately impacts corporate risk profiles, internal investigation protocols, and "termination for cause" thresholds for all Texas businesses, particularly in finance, real estate, and procurement.
SB1379 was authored by Texas Senator Peter Flores during the Regular Session.
SB1379 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.
SB1379 is enforced by Local Law Enforcement Agencies, Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas District and County Attorneys.
The regulatory priority for SB1379 is rated as "moderate". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.
The cost impact of SB1379 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
SB1379 addresses topics including crimes, crimes--against property, criminal procedure, criminal procedure--sentencing & punishment and financial.
Key dates for SB1379: Effective date is 2025-09-01. Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.
SB1379 establishes the following penalties: criminal penalty of State Jail Felony (previously Class A Misdemeanor) for General forgery offense not falling under specific commercial/government categories.; criminal penalty of 3rd Degree Felony (previously State Jail Felony) for Forgery of commercial instruments including: wills, deeds, mortgages, checks, credit cards, contracts, releases, or authorizations to debit financial accounts.; criminal penalty of 2nd Degree Felony (previously 3rd Degree Felony) for Forgery of government records, money, securities, postage, stocks, or bonds.. Consult with legal counsel for specific applicability to your situation.
SB1379 primarily affects property owners and real estate professionals. These businesses should review the legislation with their legal and compliance teams to understand potential impacts.
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.
