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 the prosecution of sexual or assaultive offenses against children or individuals with disabilities. The new legal language adds Subsection (a-1), which clarifies that the article applies to an individual's statement that meets the requirements of Subsection (a), regardless of the age of the individual at the time the statement was made. This change aims to ensure that statements made by victims, irrespective of their age, can be considered in court, potentially strengthening the prosecution's case in such sensitive matters.

The bill specifies 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 transitional provision ensures that ongoing cases are not affected by the new amendments until they officially take effect.