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 film 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 or when the offender has prior convictions. The bill specifies that certain offenses can be elevated to a higher degree based on the number of visual depictions and the offender's previous convictions.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions regarding the use of artificial intelligence in creating visual material that resembles minors, ensuring that such depictions are also subject to the same legal scrutiny. It repeals certain previous provisions related to the punishment of these offenses and clarifies that the changes will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. Overall, the bill seeks to strengthen legal measures against the exploitation of children through visual media.

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