TX SB2794

Expands the criminal offense of interference with child custody under Section 25.03 of the Penal Code to apply to any parent, not just noncustodial parents, who entices or persuades a child under 18 to leave the custody of the other parent, guardian, or person standing in their stead

Creates a new tiered penalty structure for parent-committed offenses: a Class C misdemeanor with a $500 fine for the basic offense, elevated to a state jail felony if the defendant has two or more prior convictions for the same offense or enticed the child to leave the state

Maintains the existing state jail felony classification for non-parent offenses under Subsection (a)

Applies only to offenses committed on or after the effective date; offenses committed before remain governed by prior law

Takes effect September 1, 2025