Texas HB372 amends the Penal Code to redefine compulsion for the affirmative defense of duress in criminal offenses.

Texas HB372 amends Section 8.05(c) of the Penal Code to redefine when compulsion exists for the affirmative defense of duress in criminal offenses. Under the new definition, compulsion exists only if the force or threat of force would render a reasonable person in the defendant's situation incapable of resisting the pressure. This change applies only to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is September 1, 2025. Offenses committed before this date remain governed by the law in effect at the time of the offense.

Texas HB372 amends the Penal Code to redefine compulsion for the affirmative defense of duress in criminal offenses.

Texas HB372 amends Section 8.05(c) of the Penal Code to redefine when compulsion exists for the affirmative defense of duress in criminal offenses. Under the new definition, compulsion exists only if the force or threat of force would render a reasonable person in the defendant's situation incapable of resisting the pressure. This change applies only to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is September 1, 2025. Offenses committed before this date remain governed by the law in effect at the time of the offense.