Bill > SB1588

This bill modifies the criminal penalties for failing to report child abuse or neglect by amending Section 261.109(c) of the Texas Family Code. Currently, failing to report child abuse is a Class A misdemeanor, but the bill increases the offense to a state jail felony under specific circumstances. These circumstances include situations where the person intentionally tried to conceal the abuse or neglect, or where the unreported conduct involves serious sexual offenses against a child. The expanded list of serious offenses includes continuous sexual abuse, indecency with a child, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, human trafficking, solicitation of prostitution, compelling prostitution, sexually exploitative behavior, creating obscene or pornographic images of a child, and engaging a child in a sexual performance. The changes will only apply to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, with previous offenses still governed by the law in effect at the time they were committed.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB1588