Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2005

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the prosecution of the offense of improper photography or visual recording; increasing a criminal penalty.

Impact

By increasing the penalties for these offenses, HB2005 represents a significant step in the effort to strengthen privacy laws in the state. It goes beyond merely addressing the act itself by also emphasizing the importance of consent in visual recordings, particularly in sensitive settings. The inclusion of specific language regarding minors suggests that the bill seeks to provide additional protections for younger individuals, acknowledging the unique vulnerabilities they may face.

Summary

House Bill 2005 addresses the issue of improper photography and visual recording by amending existing sections of the Penal Code. The bill specifically increases the penalties for individuals guilty of conducting unauthorized photography or recording of another person's intimate parts without consent. The legislation aims to enhance privacy protections for individuals in scenarios where they expect privacy, thus intensifying the legal repercussions for violating such privacy rights.

Contention

While the bill has been widely supported due to its focus on privacy and consent, some concerns have been raised regarding its implementation and the potential for unintended consequences. Critics argue that, while the aim to protect individuals is commendable, there must be careful consideration of how these laws are enforced and the definitions of privacy that are applied. Potential ambiguity in terms of where reasonable expectations of privacy lie could lead to difficult legal interpretations in court.

Companion Bills

TX SB1317

Similar Relating to the prosecution of the offense of invasive visual recording.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1527

Relating to human trafficking, including the prosecution and punishment of compelling and solicitation of prostitution and other sexual or assaultive offenses; increasing a criminal penalty; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB3451

Relating to human trafficking, including the prosecution and punishment of compelling and solicitation of prostitution and other sexual or assaultive offenses; increasing a criminal penalty; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB2306

Relating to the prosecution of the criminal offense of voyeurism.

TX HB505

Relating to the prosecution of and punishment for the criminal offense of hindering the investigation or prosecution of certain sexual offenses committed against a child; increasing criminal penalties.

TX HB1316

Relating to the prosecution and punishment of certain criminal offenses involving the smuggling of persons or the operation of a stash house; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB1709

Relating to the prosecution of the offenses of sedition and engaging in organized criminal activity; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB224

Relating to catalytic converters, including criminal conduct involving catalytic converters; providing an administrative penalty; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty; increasing a fee.

TX HB4598

Relating to catalytic converters, including criminal conduct involving catalytic converters; providing an administrative penalty; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty; increasing a fee.

TX SB465

Relating to certain criminal conduct involving a catalytic converter; creating a criminal offense; increasing criminal penalties.

TX HB2277

Relating to certain criminal offenses concerning the unlawful transfer or purchase of certain weapons; increasing a criminal penalty.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.