Bill > HB2927

This bill increases criminal penalties for peace officers who fail to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elderly persons or individuals with disabilities. Specifically, the legislation amends the existing law to elevate the offense from a Class A misdemeanor to a state jail felony if the person who fails to report the abuse is a peace officer who encountered the victim while discharging their official duties. The bill adds this scenario as a second condition under which the offense becomes a state jail felony, with the first condition being when the victim is a person with an intellectual disability residing in a state-supported living center or licensed facility and has suffered serious bodily injury. The change in law will only apply to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, which is the bill's effective date. This legislation aims to strengthen reporting requirements and accountability for law enforcement officers in protecting vulnerable populations by imposing more stringent criminal penalties for failing to report suspected abuse or neglect.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2927