Texas House Bill HB815

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the prosecution of the offense of online solicitation of a minor.

Impact

The amendments put forth by HB 815 substantially impact existing Texas laws, particularly those pertaining to offenses involving minors. The adjustments clarify that individuals who are 17 years or older may be prosecuted if they communicate in a sexually explicit manner with someone under the age of 17 or if they share sexually explicit materials with a minor. This change aims to strengthen the deterrent against online solicitation, underlining the seriousness of such offenses and potentially leading to increased prosecutions in cases of online predation.

Summary

House Bill 815 aims to amend the existing laws related to the prosecution of online solicitation of a minor. The bill redefines certain terms within the Texas Penal Code, specifically clarifying the age of individuals considered minors and the behaviors that constitute the offense of online solicitation. By reinforcing the definitions, the bill seeks to enhance the legal framework for prosecuting those who engage in inappropriate sexual communication with minors through electronic means. The proposed changes are targeted towards improving the safety of minors in online environments and serve as a response to the increasing use of the internet for predatory behaviors.

Contention

While the bill is largely seen as a positive step toward protecting minors, it may face some contention regarding the nuances of its provisions. Critics may argue about the adequate definition of consent, especially concerning the newly clarified age parameters and the possible implications for young individuals with relationships with older peers. Additionally, there could be concerns surrounding the scope of enforcement and whether the bill covers all forms of online communication effectively, making it a topic of debate amongst legislators and advocacy groups concerned with minors' rights.