Bill > HB1977

This bill modifies the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure to expand the admissibility of evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts in sexual assault prosecutions. Specifically, the bill broadens the scope of sexual offenses for which prior bad acts can be introduced as evidence, extending the existing rule beyond child victims to include victims of any age. Under the new provisions, in prosecutions for sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault, prosecutors can now introduce evidence of other crimes committed by the defendant against the victim, which can be used to demonstrate the defendant's state of mind and the nature of the relationship between the defendant and the victim. The bill amends existing law to include sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault of victims of any age, not just offenses against children, and clarifies the specific Penal Code sections to which these evidentiary rules apply. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply to criminal proceedings that commence on or after that date, while preserving the previous law for proceedings that began earlier.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1977