S.B. No. 1588 amends Section 261.109(c) of the Texas Family Code to increase the penalties for failing to report child abuse or neglect. Under the new provisions, an offense that was previously classified as a Class A misdemeanor will be elevated to a state jail felony if it is proven that the individual intended to conceal the abuse or neglect, or if the conduct that was not reported falls under specific serious offenses. These offenses include continuous sexual abuse of a young child, sexual assault, trafficking of persons, and other related crimes as defined in the Penal Code.

The bill specifies that the changes will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that any offenses occurring prior to this date will be governed by the existing law. This legislative change aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding the reporting of child abuse and neglect, thereby enhancing protections for vulnerable children in Texas.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 261.109 (Family Code 261)
Senate Committee Report: Family Code 261.109 (Family Code 261)
Engrossed: Family Code 261.109 (Family Code 261)