The bill amends Section 22.011 of the Penal Code, which pertains to the prosecution of sexual assault offenses. It expands the definitions of circumstances under which consent is deemed absent, specifically adding new categories of actors who can be charged with sexual assault. Notably, it introduces a new provision that includes mental health services providers, health care services providers, or individuals pretending to be such providers, who exploit their position to create a false impression of law or fact to coerce participation from the victim. Additionally, it clarifies the definition of "health care services provider" to include various licensed professionals in the health care field.

The bill also removes a previous provision regarding caregivers and replaces it with a more comprehensive definition that includes the exploitation of emotional dependency by mental health and health care providers. The changes in law 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.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 22.011 (Penal Code 22)