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TX HB372
Bill
Status
11/12/2024
Primary Sponsor
Senfronia Thompson
Click for details
AI Summary
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Amends Section 8.05(c) of the Texas Penal Code to change the standard for the duress defense from whether a "person of reasonable firmness" could resist to whether a "reasonable person in the situation of the defendant" could resist the compulsion
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Shifts the legal test for duress to consider the specific circumstances of the individual defendant rather than an abstract standard of firmness
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Applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025; offenses before that date remain governed by existing law
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Takes effect September 1, 2025
Legislative Description
Relating to the affirmative defense to prosecution for a criminal offense for persons acting under duress.
Criminal Procedure
Last Action
Referred to Criminal Jurisprudence
2/28/2025