Bill > HB1509

This bill, known as Shannah's Law, amends the Texas Penal Code by increasing the criminal penalty for failing to stop or report aggravated sexual assault of a child. Under the new law, a person who observes the commission or attempted commission of certain sexual offenses against a child and fails to assist the child or immediately report the offense to law enforcement, when they could do so without risking serious bodily injury or death, will now be charged with a felony of the third degree, instead of the previous Class A misdemeanor. The bill removes a previous exemption for certain individuals with relationships to the child and adds a provision clarifying that if the conduct constitutes an offense under multiple laws, the person may be prosecuted under this section, other applicable laws, or both. The changes will only apply to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, with offenses committed before that date continuing to be governed by the previous law.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1509