Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for the offense of criminal mischief involving impairment of electric vehicle supply equipment.

HB 1713 increases criminal penalties for damaging electric vehicle (EV) charging stations by elevating offenses involving impairment of EV supply equipment to a Class A misdemeanor. This change applies when the damage causes impairment or interruption to EV charging infrastructure, regardless of the financial loss amount. The bill specifically targets individuals who disrupt or tamper with public or private EV charging equipment, making such acts punishable more severely than general property damage under Texas Penal Code. It directly affects anyone who intentionally damages or interferes with EV charging stations, including vandals or those causing accidental disruption during maintenance. The amendment modifies existing penalty tiers to prioritize protection of emerging EV infrastructure.