S.B. No. 1019 amends the Family Code to enhance the admissibility of certain hearsay statements in cases involving sexual or assaultive offenses against children or individuals with disabilities. Specifically, the bill expands the definition of cases applicable under this section to include instances where the alleged victim is a child aged 18 years or younger or a person with a disability. Additionally, the definition of "person with a disability" is updated to align with the term "disabled individual" as defined in the Penal Code, removing the previous age and condition criteria that limited the definition to individuals 13 years of age or older.

The changes introduced by this bill will apply to juvenile court cases that commence on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. Cases that begin before this date will continue to be governed by the existing law. This legislative update aims to provide better protection and support for vulnerable victims in the judicial process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 54.031 (Family Code 54)
Senate Committee Report: Family Code 54.031 (Family Code 54)
Engrossed: Family Code 54.031 (Family Code 54)
House Committee Report: Family Code 54.031 (Family Code 54)
Enrolled: Family Code 54.031 (Family Code 54)