Texas HB2181 increases criminal penalties for solicitation of prostitution, particularly when victims are involved or minors are present.

Texas HB2181 amends the state's Penal Code to increase the criminal penalty for solicitation of prostitution. The offense is now a state jail felony, but it escalates to a third-degree felony if the actor has a prior conviction or if the person solicited is a victim of certain offenses. Additionally, it becomes a second-degree felony if the person solicited is under 18 years of age, regardless of the actor's knowledge of the age. This Act applies to offenses committed after its effective date of September 1, 2025.

Texas HB2181 increases criminal penalties for solicitation of prostitution, particularly when victims are involved or minors are present.

Texas HB2181 amends the state's Penal Code to increase the criminal penalty for solicitation of prostitution. The offense is now a state jail felony, but it escalates to a third-degree felony if the actor has a prior conviction or if the person solicited is a victim of certain offenses. Additionally, it becomes a second-degree felony if the person solicited is under 18 years of age, regardless of the actor's knowledge of the age. This Act applies to offenses committed after its effective date of September 1, 2025.