Relating to the operation of a motor vehicle in a school crossing zone while intoxicated; increasing a criminal penalty.

HB 3236 increases criminal penalties for driving while intoxicated in school crossing zones during reduced speed periods. It amends Texas Penal Code Section 49.04 to elevate such offenses from a Class B misdemeanor to a state jail felony when operating a vehicle in a school crossing zone under the reduced speed limit (as defined in Transportation Code Section 541.302). The bill applies only to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. This change directly affects drivers convicted of driving under the influence near schools during designated crossing times, imposing stricter penalties than current law. The legislation does not alter existing penalties for similar offenses outside school zones.