Regular Session
Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis
SB826 reclassifies Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in an active school crossing zone from a Class B Misdemeanor to a State Jail Felony, effective September 1, 2025. This escalation significantly increases corporate liability exposure for fleets, necessitating immediate updates to driver vetting, insurance coverage, and "negligent entrustment" protocols to mitigate the risk of felony-level lawsuits.
Sen. Tan Parker·Senate Bill·Regular Session
County and District Attorneys • Local Law Enforcement Agencies • Texas Department of Public Safety
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
The statute hinges on the phrase "during the time the reduced speed limit applies." This creates evidentiary risks regarding conflicting signage (e.g., malfunctioning flashing lights vs. posted static times).
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
Explore more bills from this author and on related topics
Common questions about SB826
SB826 reclassifies Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in an active school crossing zone from a Class B Misdemeanor to a State Jail Felony, effective September 1, 2025. This escalation significantly increases corporate liability exposure for fleets, necessitating immediate updates to driver vetting, insurance coverage, and "negligent entrustment" protocols to mitigate the risk of felony-level lawsuits.
SB826 was authored by Texas Senator Tan Parker during the Regular Session.
SB826 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.
SB826 is enforced by County and District Attorneys, Local Law Enforcement Agencies and Texas Department of Public Safety.
The regulatory priority for SB826 is rated as "moderate". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.
The cost impact of SB826 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
SB826 addresses topics including crimes, crimes--miscellaneous, criminal procedure, criminal procedure--sentencing & punishment and vehicles & traffic.
Key dates for SB826: Effective date is 2025-09-01. Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.
SB826 establishes the following penalties: criminal penalty of Enhancement to State Jail Felony (Statutory punishment: 180 days to 2 years confinement; fine up to $10,000) for Operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated in a school crossing zone specifically during times when a reduced speed limit is active.. 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.
