Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1422

Filed
11/20/24  
Out of House Committee
4/30/25  
Voted on by House
5/15/25  
Out of Senate Committee
5/23/25  
Voted on by Senate
5/25/25  
Governor Action
6/20/25  

Caption

Relating to the rights of victims of sexual assault and other sex offenses, the offense of continuous sexual abuse, and the prosecution, punishment, and collateral consequences of certain sex offenses; creating a criminal offense; increasing criminal penalties; changing the eligibility for community supervision, mandatory supervision, and parole for persons convicted of certain sex offenses.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1422 would change penalties and adjust eligibility for community supervision and parole for individuals convicted of certain sexual offenses. Specifically, it seeks to impose harsher penalties for ongoing and severe sexual crimes, reflecting a legislative intent to deter such actions through stricter legal consequences. The bill not only raises maximum sentences but also alters the eligibility criteria for rehabilitation options like parole, indicating a tougher stance on re-offenders.

Summary

House Bill 1422 addresses the rights of victims of sexual assault and other sexual offenses, focusing on increasing the criminal penalties associated with such offenses. It particularly emphasizes the offense of continuous sexual abuse, proposing to create new legal provisions that enhance protections for victims and increase penalties for offenders. The bill aims to amend various sections of the Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure to redefine the legal landscape concerning how sexual offenses are prosecuted and how offenders are monitored post-conviction.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1422 appears to be largely supportive among advocates for victims' rights and those who argue for stronger statutes to combat sexual offenses. Supporters believe that the legislation is a crucial step forward in protecting victims and providing robust legal recourse against perpetrators. However, there may be concerns from civil rights advocates about the impact of harsher penalties on the judicial system and the potential for increased incarceration rates without necessarily addressing the root causes of crime.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 1422 center on its implementation and the balance between public safety enforcement and the rights of offenders. Critics might argue that while the intent to protect victims is commendable, there are possible implications concerning fair trial rights and the effectiveness of longer prison sentences as deterrents. The discussion may highlight ongoing debates about the criminal justice system's approach to managing sexual offenses, exploring whether stricter penalties are the most effective way to support survivors and reduce incidences of sexual crime.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 420. Sexual Assault Prevention And Crisis Services
    • Section: 0735
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 508. Parole And Mandatory Supervision
    • Section: 145
    • Section: 149
    • Section: 151
    • Section: 189
    • Section: 145
    • Section: 149
    • Section: 151
    • Section: 189
    • Section: 145
    • Section: 149
    • Section: 145
    • Section: 149
    • Section: 151
    • Section: 189
  • Chapter 499. Population Management; Special Programs
    • Section: 027
    • Section: 027

Penal Code

  • Chapter 21. Sexual Offenses
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 11
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 12. Punishments
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 22. Assaultive Offenses
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 15. Preparatory Offenses
    • Section: 03
  • Chapter 30. Burglary And Criminal Trespass
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 20. Kidnapping, Unlawful Restraint, Andsmuggling Of Persons
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 29. Robbery
    • Section: 03
    • Section: 02
  • Chapter 43. Public Indecency
    • Section: 25
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 05
    • Section: 25
  • Chapter 19. Criminal Homicide
    • Section: 02
    • Section: 03

Code Of Criminal Procedure

  • Chapter 42. Judgment And Sentence
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 56a. Rights Of Crime Victims
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 62. Sex Offender Registration Program
    • Section: New Section

Health And Safety Code

  • Chapter 481. Texas Controlled Substances Act
    • Section: 1123
    • Section: 1123
    • Section: 140
    • Section: 134
    • Section: 1123
    • Section: 134
    • Section: 1123
    • Section: 134
    • Section: 134
    • Section: 140

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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