Texas House Bill HB2385

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/21/09
• Voted on by House: 4/28/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/20/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/26/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/29/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the punishment for the offense of prohibited sexual conduct.

Impact

The implications of HB 2385 are significant for Texas law, particularly in the realm of sexual offense regulations. By reclassifying certain offenses, the bill aims to provide stricter punishments that could act as a deterrent against prohibited sexual conduct. The updated penalties align with the state's broader objectives to enhance the legal framework addressing sexual offenses and to protect victims more effectively.

Summary

House Bill 2385 pertains to the punishment for the offense of prohibited sexual conduct in the state of Texas. The bill proposes amendments to Section 25.02(c) of the Penal Code, altering the classification of the offense. Under the amendment, a felony of the third degree is prescribed for general offenses, while certain specified offenses would elevate the charge to a felony of the second degree. This change is intended to reflect the seriousness of specific types of sexual offenses.

Contention

While the bill aims to strengthen the legal consequences for prohibited sexual conduct, it may also raise concerns regarding the enforcement and interpretation of the amended sections. Opponents might argue that increasing penalties does not necessarily address the root causes of such offenses or improve overall community safety. Moreover, questions could arise surrounding the fairness of applying elevated charges in certain circumstances, which might lead to a disparity in legal outcomes for similar offenses.