House Bill No. 3921 proposes to increase the criminal penalty for aggravated sexual assault when the perpetrator is a member of the clergy. Specifically, it amends Section 22.021(f) of the Penal Code to establish a minimum term of imprisonment of 25 years for such offenses. This increase applies if the victim is under six years of age, under 14 years of age and the offense is committed in a specified manner, or if the actor is a member of the clergy.

The bill clarifies that the changes will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. Offenses occurring before this date will be governed by the previous law, ensuring that the former legal standards remain in effect for those cases.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 22.021 (Penal Code 22)