Texas HB4624 prohibits using a victim's gender identity or sexual orientation as a defense in criminal trials.

Texas HB4624 amends the state's Penal Code to prevent defendants from using a victim's gender identity or sexual orientation as a basis for a defense in criminal cases. This includes disallowing claims of lower culpability based on the victim's gender identity or sexual orientation or a nonviolent romantic or sexual advance by the victim. The law applies to offenses committed after its effective date of September 1, 2025, and does not affect offenses committed before that date.

Texas HB4624 prohibits using a victim's gender identity or sexual orientation as a defense in criminal trials.

Texas HB4624 amends the state's Penal Code to prevent defendants from using a victim's gender identity or sexual orientation as a basis for a defense in criminal cases. This includes disallowing claims of lower culpability based on the victim's gender identity or sexual orientation or a nonviolent romantic or sexual advance by the victim. The law applies to offenses committed after its effective date of September 1, 2025, and does not affect offenses committed before that date.