Bill > HB1983

This bill creates a new criminal offense in the Texas Penal Code called "Child Endangerment Involving Smuggling Across International Border" that targets parents or legal guardians who knowingly pay or contract with individuals or organizations to transport their child across an international border in violation of federal or state law. The offense becomes a state jail felony if the child is found not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian, is subjected to conditions that substantially risk the child's physical or mental health, or is abandoned, exploited, or endangered. The severity of the offense increases to a second-degree felony if the child suffers serious bodily injury, and becomes a first-degree felony if the child dies as a result of such transportation. The bill specifically eliminates potential legal defenses, such as the parent believing the action was necessary for the child's safety or claiming the transporting organization acted independently in endangering the child. If the conduct also constitutes another criminal offense, the person can be prosecuted under this new section, the other section, or both. The law is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and aims to protect children from potential harm during unauthorized international border crossings.

Military Affairs and Security

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1983