H.B. No. 1552 seeks to modernize Texas law by changing the terminology surrounding child pornography to "child sexual abuse material." The bill amends various sections of the Penal Code and the Business and Commerce Code, specifically updating Section 43.26 and Chapter 110 to replace references to "pornography" with "sexual abuse material." This includes revised definitions and enhanced reporting requirements for computer technicians and telecommunications providers, mandating the reporting of any discovered images of child sexual abuse material. Additionally, the bill outlines provisions for the destruction or forfeiture of such materials and includes health warnings about the potential harms of exposure.

The bill further amends the Code of Criminal Procedure, Estates Code, Family Code, and Penal Code to clarify legal definitions and consequences related to child abuse and trafficking. It expands the definition of "abuse" to include a wider range of harmful behaviors and specifies offenses that disqualify a parent from inheriting from a child, particularly those involving serious crimes against children. The changes aim to strengthen legal protections for children and ensure that individuals convicted of severe offenses face appropriate legal repercussions. The new language and definitions will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 43.26, Commerce Code 110.001, Commerce Code 110.002, Commerce Code 110.003, Estates Code 201.062, Family Code 161.001, Family Code 261.001, Family Code 262.2015 (Family Code 161, Family Code 261, Estates Code 201, Commerce Code 110, Family Code 262, Penal Code 43)
House Committee Report: Penal Code 43.26, Commerce Code 110.001, Commerce Code 110.002, Commerce Code 110.003, Estates Code 201.062, Family Code 161.001, Family Code 261.001, Family Code 262.2015 (Family Code 161, Family Code 261, Estates Code 201, Commerce Code 110, Family Code 262, Penal Code 43)
Engrossed: Penal Code 43.26, Commerce Code 110.001, Commerce Code 110.002, Commerce Code 110.003, Estates Code 201.062, Family Code 161.001, Family Code 261.001, Family Code 262.2015 (Family Code 161, Family Code 261, Estates Code 201, Commerce Code 110, Family Code 262, Penal Code 43)