Texas HB1271 amends the prosecution criteria for indecency with a child by adding new affirmative defenses.

Texas HB1271 modifies the prosecution of indecency with a child by introducing new affirmative defenses. Specifically, it allows a defense if the actor was not more than three years older than the victim, did not use duress, force, or a threat, and was not required to register as a sex offender or had no reportable conviction for the offense. The changes apply to offenses committed after the act's effective date and pending cases on that date, but do not affect existing final convictions. The act takes effect on September 1, 2025.

Texas HB1271 amends the prosecution criteria for indecency with a child by adding new affirmative defenses.

Texas HB1271 modifies the prosecution of indecency with a child by introducing new affirmative defenses. Specifically, it allows a defense if the actor was not more than three years older than the victim, did not use duress, force, or a threat, and was not required to register as a sex offender or had no reportable conviction for the offense. The changes apply to offenses committed after the act's effective date and pending cases on that date, but do not affect existing final convictions. The act takes effect on September 1, 2025.