TX SB797

Expands the existing offense of unlawful installation of a tracking device on motor vehicles to also criminalize knowingly using a tracking device to determine another person's location or movement without consent

Defines "effective consent" and specifies that consent is invalid if obtained through deception, coercion, fraud, force, or threat, or given by someone unauthorized or incapable of making reasonable decisions due to youth, mental illness, intellectual disability, or intoxication

Creates an affirmative defense for parents, guardians, conservators, or legal custodians who use tracking devices to monitor the location of minors (persons under 18) in their care

Maintains existing exemptions for peace officers conducting criminal investigations or acting under court orders, and for licensed private investigators operating with written consent or court authorization

Takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to offenses committed on or after that date