TX HB1983

Creates a new criminal offense for parents, guardians, conservators, or legal custodians who knowingly pay or engage individuals/organizations to transport their child across an international border in violation of federal or state law

Offense applies when the child is found by law enforcement (including U.S. Border Patrol) without parental custody, subjected to conditions risking substantial harm to physical or mental health, or is abandoned, exploited, or endangered

Base offense is a state jail felony, enhanced to a second-degree felony if the child suffers serious bodily injury, or a first-degree felony if the child dies

Explicitly bars defenses claiming the conduct was necessary for the child's safety or that the smuggler acted independently in endangering the child

Effective date is September 1, 2025