Loading chat...

TX HB1977

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/22/2025

Primary Sponsor

David Cook

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

89th Legislature Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Expands admissibility of evidence regarding defendant's prior crimes, wrongs, or acts against the same victim in prosecutions for sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault to include victims of any age, not just children under 17

  • Allows such evidence to be admitted notwithstanding Texas Rules of Evidence 404 and 405, which generally prohibit character evidence to prove conduct

  • Evidence of prior acts can be used to show the defendant's and victim's state of mind, as well as the previous and subsequent relationship between defendant and victim

  • Applies to prosecutions for sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, and attempts or conspiracies to commit these offenses regardless of victim age

  • Takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies only to criminal proceedings commencing on or after that date

Legislative Description

Relating to the admissibility of evidence of certain extraneous offenses or acts in the prosecution of sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault or an attempt or conspiracy to commit sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault.

Crimes

Last Action

Left pending in committee

3/25/2025

Committee Referrals

Criminal Jurisprudence3/14/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available