The bill, H.B. No. 1668, aims to increase the criminal penalty for the offense of enticing a child and to clarify the applicability of sex offender registration requirements for this offense. It amends Section 25.04 of the Penal Code, changing the classification of the offense from a Class B misdemeanor to a felony of the third degree, unless it is proven that the actor intended to sexually violate or abuse the child, in which case it becomes a felony of the second degree. Additionally, the bill modifies the definitions of "reportable conviction or adjudication" and "sexually violent offense" in the Code of Criminal Procedure to include violations of Section 25.04, thereby ensuring that such offenses are subject to sex offender registration requirements.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that 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 committed prior to this date will be governed by the law in effect at that time. This legislative change reflects a commitment to enhancing the legal framework surrounding child protection and the consequences for those who commit offenses against minors.

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