Bill > HB2593

This bill increases criminal penalties for indecent assault when the victim is a disabled or elderly individual. Specifically, the bill amends the Texas Penal Code to establish that if the victim of indecent assault is a disabled or elderly individual, the offense becomes a felony of the second degree, which is more serious than the previous classification. The bill defines "disabled individual" and "elderly individual" by referencing existing definitions in Section 22.04 of the Penal Code. Previously, indecent assault was typically a Class A misdemeanor, with enhanced penalties for repeat offenders or when committed by healthcare or mental health service providers outside the scope of accepted practices. The changes to the law will only apply to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, the bill's effective date, ensuring that prior offenses are still governed by the law in effect at the time they were committed. By creating a more severe criminal penalty specifically for assaults against disabled and elderly individuals, the bill aims to provide additional protection for these potentially vulnerable populations.