The bill amends Section 261.109(c) of the Family Code to increase the penalties for failing to report child abuse or neglect. Under the new provisions, an offense that previously constituted a Class A misdemeanor will be elevated to a state jail felony if it is proven that the individual intended to conceal the abuse or neglect, or if the conduct that was not reported falls under specific serious offenses. These offenses include continuous sexual abuse of a young child, indecency with a child, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, trafficking of persons, solicitation of prostitution, and compelling prostitution, among others.

Additionally, the bill outlines 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. Offenses committed prior to this date will be governed by the law in effect at that time. This ensures that individuals are not retroactively penalized under the new provisions for actions taken before the law's enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 261.109 (Family Code 261)