🟡Relating to increasing the criminal penalties for forgery.

🟡 SB 1379: Forgery penalties get tougher, but costs could outrun benefits

What it says it does:
SB 1379 increases criminal penalties for forgery in Texas. Lawmakers framed it as a stronger deterrent against financial fraud and a way to protect Texans, especially seniors, from identity theft and exploitation.

What it actually changes:
It reclassifies most forgery crimes from misdemeanors to felonies. Forging checks, deeds, contracts, or account authorizations becomes a third-degree felony. Forging government-issued money or securities becomes a second-degree felony. If the forgery involves $150,000 or more, it is now a first-degree felony. Cases against elderly Texans are automatically bumped up one level.

Who is pushing for it:
Supporters listed in the official records include major banks, credit unions, law enforcement associations, and AARP Texas. These groups testified that the bill was needed to deter financial fraud and make restitution easier to secure.

Who benefits:
Banks and large financial institutions that face frequent fraud gain stronger tools to prosecute and pressure offenders. Law enforcement and prosecutors gain leverage in plea negotiations and sentencing.

Who gets left out or exposed:
Defendants in low-dollar or first-time cases may face permanent felony records instead of restitution-first options. Counties could absorb higher caseloads and holding costs without clear state funding support.

Why this matters long term:
The Legislative Budget Board projects only small savings at first, followed by rising incarceration costs beginning in 2028. That means taxpayers may pay more for punishment even if fraud losses do not drop. The policy expands state power while shifting financial strain to local systems and the corrections budget.

What to watch next:
Whether lawmakers add reporting requirements to track restitution recovery, recidivism, and costs. Without transparency, Texas may not know whether these harsher penalties actually prevent fraud or simply fill prisons.

Bottom line:
SB 1379 is a well-intentioned move against forgery but could turn into an expensive expansion of state incarceration if outcomes are not measured and balanced with smarter, restitution-based solutions.

Questions to ask lawmakers:

1. How will you measure whether these higher penalties actually reduce forgery, instead of just increasing felony convictions?
2. What results will Texans be able to see publicly, like restitution collected, repeat offenses, and total incarceration costs over time?
3. Would you support a review clause in a few years so the state can adjust the penalty ladder if costs rise but outcomes do not improve?

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