The bill amends Section 22.011 of the Penal Code, which pertains to the prosecution of sexual assault offenses. It expands the definitions of circumstances under which consent is deemed absent, adding new categories of actors who can be held accountable for sexual assault. Notably, it introduces a new provision that specifies that a mental health services provider, health care services provider, or someone pretending to be one can be charged if they cause a person to submit or participate in a sexual act by creating or confirming a false impression of law or fact. Additionally, the bill clarifies the definition of a "health care services provider" to include various licensed professionals.

The bill also removes a previous provision regarding caregivers and adds a new category (15) that addresses the exploitation of individuals by mental health or health care providers. 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. Offenses occurring before this date will be governed by the law in effect at that time.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 22.011 (Penal Code 22)