TX HB4342

Expands admissibility of hearsay statements in prosecutions of sexual or assaultive offenses to include statements made by persons with disabilities, not just children

Removes the restriction that limited hearsay statements about extraneous crimes, wrongs, or acts to only the punishment phase, allowing such statements during the guilt/innocence phase as well

Raises the age threshold for child victims whose statements about extraneous offenses can be admitted from under 14 years old to under 18 years old

Applies to hearsay statements made to the first adult (18 or older) other than the defendant to whom the child or person with a disability disclosed the offense

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