Texas HB2710 amends the Penal Code to provide affirmative defenses for certain criminal offenses involving obscene or harmful material to children.

Texas HB2710 amends the Penal Code to introduce affirmative defenses for prosecutions involving obscene or harmful material to children. The bill specifies that it is a defense if the defendant was the child's spouse at the time of the offense, if the conduct was for a bona fide educational, medical, psychological, psychiatric, judicial, law enforcement, or legislative purpose, or if the defendant is not more than two years older than the child. The changes apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is September 1, 2025.

Texas HB2710 amends the Penal Code to provide affirmative defenses for certain criminal offenses involving obscene or harmful material to children.

Texas HB2710 amends the Penal Code to introduce affirmative defenses for prosecutions involving obscene or harmful material to children. The bill specifies that it is a defense if the defendant was the child's spouse at the time of the offense, if the conduct was for a bona fide educational, medical, psychological, psychiatric, judicial, law enforcement, or legislative purpose, or if the defendant is not more than two years older than the child. The changes apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is September 1, 2025.