Texas SB412 amends the Penal Code to add affirmative defenses for certain offenses involving obscene or harmful material to children.

Texas SB412 amends the Texas Penal Code to introduce new affirmative defenses for prosecutions involving obscene or harmful material to children. The bill adds 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, judicial, law enforcement, or legislative purpose, or if the defendant is not more than two years older than the child. The changes apply only to offenses committed after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025.

Texas SB412 amends the Penal Code to add affirmative defenses for certain offenses involving obscene or harmful material to children.

Texas SB412 amends the Texas Penal Code to introduce new affirmative defenses for prosecutions involving obscene or harmful material to children. The bill adds 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, judicial, law enforcement, or legislative purpose, or if the defendant is not more than two years older than the child. The changes apply only to offenses committed after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025.