Bill > SB1019

This bill modifies the Texas Family Code to expand protections for child and disabled victims in juvenile court hearings involving certain sexual and assaultive offenses. Specifically, the bill changes the age threshold for child victims from 12 to 18 years old and updates the definition of "person with a disability" to align with the Penal Code's definition of a "disabled individual". The bill applies to hearings related to offenses in chapters covering sexual and assaultive offenses, including specific sections on prohibited sexual conduct, sexual performance by a child, human trafficking, and compelling prostitution. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply to juvenile court cases that commence on or after that date, with previous cases continuing to be governed by the law in effect at their original commencement. By broadening the age range and standardizing the definition of disability, the bill aims to provide more comprehensive legal protections for vulnerable victims in juvenile court proceedings.

Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB1019