Texas House Bill HB124

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 11/10/08
• Out of House Committee: 4/24/09
• Voted on by House: 5/6/09

Caption

Relating to the punishment for the offense of employment harmful to children.

Impact

The enactment of HB 124 will directly impact the legal framework surrounding child protection laws in Texas. By increasing the consequences for repeat offenders, the bill reinforces the state’s commitment to safeguarding children from harmful employment situations. This could potentially reduce the instances of such offenses as individuals may reconsider engaging in businesses or practices that could lead to legal repercussions under the amended law. The bill’s provisions apply only to offenses committed on or after its effective date, establishing a clear boundary for its enforcement.

Summary

House Bill 124 amends the Texas Penal Code concerning the punishment for the offense of employing individuals in a manner that is harmful to children. The bill specifically reclassifies the penalties associated with this offense. Under the revised provisions, a first offense remains a Class A misdemeanor, but if a defendant has a prior conviction under this section, the offense escalates to a felony of the third degree. This legislative change aims to deter repeat offenses by imposing stricter penalties on those who continuously engage in harmful employment practices affecting minors.

Contention

Although HB 124 predominantly received support aimed at enhancing protective measures for children, it may still be met with some contention regarding the implications of increased punitive measures. Critics may argue that elevating certain offenses to felony status could lead to severe consequences for individuals who may not have intended to cause harm but inadvertently engaged in activities classified as detrimental to minors. Discussions may emerge surrounding the fairness and proportionality of punitive measures within the wider context of child labor laws and the responsibilities of employers.