The bill amends Section 25.04 of the Penal Code to increase the criminal penalty for the offense of enticing a child. Specifically, it establishes that an offense under this section is a felony of the second degree if it is shown during the trial that the actor intended to sexually violate or abuse the child. This replaces the previous classification, which was a Class B misdemeanor unless it was proven that the actor intended to commit a felony against the child, in which case it would be classified as a felony of the third degree.

Additionally, the bill modifies the definitions in the Code of Criminal Procedure regarding reportable convictions and sexually violent offenses to include violations of Section 25.04 (Enticing a child) if the offense is punishable under the new Subsection (c). This change ensures that individuals convicted of enticing a child with the intent to sexually abuse are subject to sex offender registration requirements. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and applies only to offenses committed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 25.04, Government Code 411.1471 (Government Code 411, Penal Code 25)