Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB834

Caption

Relating to the punishment for possession of child pornography; increasing criminal penalties.

Impact

One significant impact of SB834 lies in its categorical restructuring of offenses related to child pornography. The proposed amendments shift the classification of penalties from less severe to more serious felonies, which means that individuals caught in possession of 10 or more depictions would face harsher legal repercussions. Importantly, if the offender has prior convictions, the bill mandates an escalation in the designated offense level, enhancing the penalties further. This change aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding child protection and establish firmer deterrents against such crimes.

Summary

SB834 is a legislative bill focused on amending the existing penalties associated with the possession of child pornography under Texas law. The bill proposes to increase the severity of the penalties for individuals found guilty of possessing visual material depicting children, particularly in instances where multiple offenses are confirmed. The amendments specifically outline distinct felony categories based on the number of visual depictions possessed, thus increasing the accountability and punitive measures for offenders in such serious crimes.

Contention

While the bill presents a stronger stance against child pornography, discussions around its implementation and effectiveness may arise. Critics could argue that increasing penalties alone may not address the root causes of this issue or may lead to potential inequities in sentencing practices. Furthermore, there may be concerns regarding the feasibility of enforcing these heightened penalties and ensuring that they are applied consistently across all cases. The bill may also raise discussions about the balance between punitive measures and rehabilitation efforts for offenders.

Companion Bills

TX HB2377

Same As Relating to the punishment for possession of child pornography; increasing criminal penalties.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2143

Relating to the punishment for possession of child pornography; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB129

Relating to the prosecution and punishment for possession or promotion of child pornography; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB4

Relating to the punishment for certain criminal conduct involving the smuggling of persons or the operation of a stash house; increasing criminal penalties.

TX HB800

Relating to the punishment for certain criminal conduct involving the smuggling of persons or the operation of a stash house; increasing criminal penalties.

TX HB5

Relating to the punishment for certain criminal conduct involving the smuggling of persons or the operation of a stash house; increasing criminal penalties.

TX HB2

Relating to the punishment for certain criminal conduct involving the smuggling of persons or the operation of a stash house; increasing criminal penalties.

TX HB83

Relating to the punishment for certain criminal conduct involving the smuggling of persons or the operation of a stash house; increasing criminal penalties.

TX HB3

Relating to the punishment for certain criminal conduct involving the smuggling of persons or the operation of a stash house; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB5

Relating to the punishment for certain criminal conduct involving the smuggling of persons or the operation of a stash house; increasing criminal penalties.

TX HB208

Relating to the punishment for certain controlled substance offenses committed in a drug-free zone; increasing criminal penalties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.