Bill > HB4056

This bill amends sections of the Texas Penal Code related to defenses to prosecution for certain criminal offenses involving material or conduct that may be obscene or is otherwise harmful to children. Specifically, it removes the "educational, governmental" language from the affirmative defense for the sale, distribution, or exhibition of obscene material, and it removes the "educational" language from the affirmative defense for the sexual exploitation of children. The bill also clarifies that the changes only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is September 1, 2023.