House Bill No. 1975 aims to enhance the confidentiality and protection of victims of sex offenses, such as sexual assault and sex-based human trafficking, by amending the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Government Code. Key provisions include prohibiting the use of evidence from forensic medical examinations in the investigation or prosecution of misdemeanor offenses committed by the victim, and ensuring that any related property or material is kept under seal and not publicly accessible during criminal proceedings. The bill also establishes that victims can use pseudonyms in legal proceedings, mandates confidentiality for victims' information by law enforcement and prosecutorial offices, and prohibits the electronic transmission of court proceedings related to specific offenses without express consent from the victim, state attorney, and defendant.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new exception under Section 552.1082 of the Government Code, allowing certain electronic information obtained during investigations of specific offenses to be withheld by prosecutors, law enforcement, and corrections agencies without needing to request a decision from the attorney general. It outlines requirements for governmental bodies that redact information under this exception, including providing written notice to requestors about withheld information. Importantly, the provisions of this bill will only apply to court hearings or public information requests occurring after its effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that prior proceedings or requests remain governed by existing laws.

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