The bill amends various sections of the Texas Penal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure to redefine the age of a child in relation to offenses of indecency with a child and sexual assault. Specifically, it raises the age of a child from under 17 years to under 18 years in several sections, including Section 21.11(a) and Section 22.011(c)(1) of the Penal Code. Additionally, the definition of "child" in Article 38.074 and the conditions for establishing a child safety zone in Article 42A.453(c) and Section 508.187(b) are updated to reflect this new age threshold.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that if a judge or parole panel determines that a child younger than 17 years was the victim of an offense, they must impose specific conditions on the defendant or releasee, such as prohibiting them from supervising or participating in programs with children and requiring attendance at psychological counseling sessions for sex offenders. The changes in law will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 21.11, Penal Code 22.011, Government Code 508.187 (Penal Code 22, Government Code 508, Penal Code 21)