The bill, H.B. No. 4672, proposes to amend Section 21.02 of the Penal Code to increase the criminal penalty for continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 years of age. Specifically, it establishes that an offense under this section is a first-degree felony punishable by life imprisonment without parole if at least one act of sexual abuse is committed against a victim who is younger than 14. The bill also stipulates that if the jury serves as the trier of fact, they must unanimously agree that the defendant committed an act of sexual abuse against a victim in this age group.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the changes in law 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 that time, ensuring that the former law remains applicable for those cases.

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