Bill > SB1007

This bill amends the Texas Penal Code to provide new affirmative defenses for certain criminal offenses involving material or conduct that may be obscene or otherwise harmful to children. Specifically, the bill removes the requirement that the sale, distribution, or exhibition of such material be for "scientific, educational, governmental, or other similar justification" to be an affirmative defense. It also adds new affirmative defenses for conduct that is for a bona fide medical, psychological, psychiatric, judicial, law enforcement, or legislative purpose, or where the defendant is not more than two years older than the child. The changes apply only to offenses committed on or after the effective date of September 1, 2023.