The bill, H.B. No. 4672, proposes to increase the criminal penalty for continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14. It amends Section 21.02 of the Penal Code by modifying Subsection (h) and adding a new Subsection (i). The amendment specifies that, except as outlined in the new subsection, offenses under this section are classified as first-degree felonies, punishable by imprisonment for life or a term of 25 to 99 years. The new Subsection (i) establishes that if at least one act of sexual abuse was committed against a victim younger than 14, the offense is a first-degree felony punishable by life imprisonment without parole. Additionally, it requires that if the jury is the trier of fact, they must unanimously agree that the defendant committed an act of sexual abuse against a victim under 14.

The bill stipulates 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 committed prior to this date will be governed by the law in effect at the time of the offense, ensuring that the previous legal framework remains applicable for those cases.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 21.02 (Penal Code 21)