The bill amends the Penal Code regarding the criminal offense of interference with child custody. It removes the term "noncustodial" parent from the definition of the offense, allowing any parent to be charged if they intentionally entice or persuade a child under 18 to leave the custody of either the other parent or a guardian. Additionally, it introduces a new classification for the offense: it establishes that an offense under the amended subsection is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a $500 fine, unless the defendant has prior convictions or entices the child to leave the state, in which case it becomes a state jail felony.

The changes in the law will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, with prior offenses governed by the law in effect at the time they were committed. The Act is set to take effect 91 days after the conclusion of the legislative session.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 25.03 (Penal Code 25)