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TX HB1255

Bill

Status

Introduced

11/12/2024

Primary Sponsor

Steve Toth

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

89th Legislature Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Increases criminal penalties to the next higher offense category for professionals (as defined by Family Code Section 261.101, which includes mandatory child abuse reporters) who commit certain crimes against children under their care, custody, or control

  • Applies to specific offenses including criminal solicitation of a minor, trafficking of persons, continuous sexual abuse of a child, indecency with a child, sexual assault, child grooming, and aggravated sexual assault

  • Sets a minimum 180-day confinement for offenses that would normally be Class A misdemeanors when committed by these professionals against children in their care

  • First-degree felony offenses are exempt from the penalty enhancement, as they already carry the maximum punishment category

  • Takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies only to offenses committed on or after that date

Legislative Description

Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for certain offenses committed by a professional who is required to report child abuse or neglect and against a child under the care of that professional.

Criminal Procedure

Last Action

Left pending in subcommittee

4/24/2025

Committee Referrals

Criminal Jurisprudence3/10/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available