Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Criminal Justice Committee Mar 4th, 2025

Meeting Video(s)

TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice Mar 4th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

The meeting of the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice focused on legislative measures aimed at enhancing the protection of minors against the evolving threats posed by artificial intelligence and technology in the realm of child exploitation. Multiple bills, including SB20 and SB1621, were introduced to address child sexual abuse material (CSAM), particularly concerning AI-generated content and deep fakes. During the session, committee members highlighted the importance of these initiatives, emphasizing that the current legal framework must adapt to the rapidly changing technological landscape. The discussions emphasized the commitment of the committee members to protect children and the integrity of these legislative efforts. Public testimony brought forth a sense of urgency from both law enforcement and advocacy groups highlighting widespread concerns about the misuse of technology to exploit children.

Bills on the Agenda

TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB412

Filed
11/21/24  
Out of Senate Committee
3/6/25  
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 
Relating to defenses to prosecution for certain offenses involving material or conduct that is obscene or otherwise harmful to children.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB441

Filed
11/21/24  
Out of Senate Committee
3/6/25  
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 
Relating to civil liability for the production, solicitation, disclosure, or promotion of artificial intimate visual material.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB442

Filed
11/21/24  
Out of Senate Committee
3/6/25  
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 
Relating to the prosecution and punishment of the offense of unlawful production or distribution of certain sexually explicit media; increasing a criminal penalty.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB20

Filed
2/24/25  
Out of Senate Committee
3/6/25  
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 
Relating to the creation of the criminal offense of possession or promotion of obscene visual material appearing to depict a child.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1621

Filed
2/25/25  
Out of Senate Committee
3/6/25  
Voted on by Senate
3/12/25  
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 
Relating to prosecution and punishment of certain criminal offenses prohibiting sexually explicit visual material involving depictions of children, computer-generated children, or other persons; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.