H.B. No. 1012 amends the Texas Penal Code regarding the prosecution of the criminal offense related to the sale, distribution, or display of harmful material to minors. The bill redefines "harmful material" by removing the phrase "whose dominant theme taken as a whole" and clarifying that harmful material is defined as material that appeals to a minor's prurient interest in sex, nudity, or excretion, is patently offensive to prevailing community standards for minors, and is without redeeming social value for minors.

The changes made by this Act will only apply to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. Offenses that occurred before this date will continue to be governed by the law in effect at the time of the offense. This ensures that individuals charged with offenses prior to the enactment of this bill will not be subject to the new definitions and standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 43.24 (Penal Code 43)