Bill > HB418

This bill modifies Texas Penal Code sections related to child pornography offenses, expanding the legal definition of "visual material" to explicitly include digital file formats and artificial intelligence-generated images that are virtually indistinguishable from actual children. The legislation increases criminal penalties for possessing or promoting sexually explicit visual material involving minors, with graduated severity based on the number of images and prior convictions. Specifically, the bill creates stricter penalties for possessing 10 or more but fewer than 50 child sexual images, raises the offense level to a felony of the second degree for first-time offenders, and elevates the offense to a felony of the first degree for repeat offenders or those possessing 50 or more images. The bill also introduces enhanced penalties for offenders in positions of trust or authority involving children, such as employees at child-care facilities or those receiving state funds for child care. Additionally, the legislation expands the legal definition to include computer-generated images that look like actual children, closing potential technological loopholes in existing child exploitation laws. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to offenses committed on or after that date.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB418