TX HB2772

Creates a new affirmative defense (Section 8.09 of the Penal Code) for defendants who committed crimes because they were coerced, acting under duress, or reasonably feared harm as victims of human trafficking, compelling prostitution, or family violence assault

Applies to victims of trafficking of persons (Section 20A.02), compelling prostitution (Section 43.05), or assault against a family member constituting family violence (Section 22.01(b)(2))

Allows defendants to present evidence relevant to identifying their status as a victim of these specified offenses to establish the affirmative defense

Applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025; prior offenses remain governed by existing law