The bill, H.B. No. 394, proposes an amendment to Article 38.072 of the Code of Criminal Procedure regarding the admissibility of hearsay statements in cases involving sexual or assaultive offenses against children or individuals with disabilities. The key change is the addition of a new subsection (a-1), which clarifies that the article applies to an individual's statement that meets the requirements of Subsection (a), regardless of the individual's age at the time the statement was made. This aims to broaden the scope of admissible hearsay statements in such cases.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the changes will apply to criminal proceedings that commence on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. For any proceedings that begin before this date, the existing law will remain in effect. This ensures a smooth transition and clarity in the application of the law for ongoing cases.