The bill, H.B. No. 418, aims to enhance the prosecution and punishment of criminal offenses related to sexually explicit visual material involving children. It amends the definition of "visual material" in the Penal Code to include not only traditional media such as films and photographs but also digital formats that can display images on computers or video screens. Additionally, the bill increases the penalties for offenses involving visual material depicting children, particularly when the material involves a child under the age of 10, which elevates the offense to a higher category and increases minimum confinement terms.

Key amendments include the redefinition of visual material to encompass digital formats and the introduction of stricter penalties based on the number of depictions of children in the material. The bill also specifies that if a person has been previously convicted of similar offenses, the penalties will be more severe. Furthermore, it addresses the use of artificial intelligence in creating visual material that resembles children, ensuring that such depictions are also subject to prosecution under the law. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to offenses committed after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 21.16, Penal Code 43.26 (Penal Code 43, Penal Code 21)