Bill > HB693

This bill amends the Texas Penal Code to change the definition of "child" from under 17 years of age to under 18 years of age in the offense of making a firearm accessible to a child. It also modifies the affirmative defenses and increases the criminal penalties for the offense, making it a Class A misdemeanor if the child discharges the firearm and causes death or serious bodily injury to someone they live with, and a third-degree felony if the child causes death or serious bodily injury to someone they do not live with. The changes in the law apply only to offenses committed on or after the effective date of September 1, 2021.