Bill > SB412

This bill modifies two sections of the Texas Penal Code related to defenses for certain offenses involving obscene materials or conduct harmful to children. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision that creates an affirmative defense for judicial or law enforcement officers who are discharging their official duties when potentially committing offenses under sections 43.24 and 43.25. For section 43.25, which appears to involve sexual offenses with a minor, the bill removes the previous broad language about "bona fide educational, medical, psychological, psychiatric, judicial, law enforcement, or legislative purpose" and replaces it with a more specific defense for law enforcement and judicial officers performing official duties. The bill will only apply to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, and will continue to treat pre-effective date offenses under the law as it existed at the time of the offense. By narrowing the scope of potential defenses, the bill seems intended to provide clear legal protections specifically for law enforcement and judicial personnel while potentially limiting other broad interpretations of legitimate purposes.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB412