HB 2772
AN ACT relating to an affirmative defense to prosecution for victims of
89th Regular Session
Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended
Awaiting Committee Assignment
Bill filed, pending referral to House committee
Committee
Not yet assigned
Fiscal Note
Not available
What This Bill Does
Provides an affirmative defense for individuals prosecuted for criminal actions that were committed as a direct result of being victims of human trafficking, compelling prostitution, or family violence. Victims can now argue in court that their criminal conduct occurred because they were coerced, acting under duress, or reasonably feared harm due to their victimization. The law aims to protect and recognize vulnerable individuals who commit offenses while under extreme psychological or physical pressure from their abusers.
Subject Areas
Bill Text
relating to an affirmative defense to prosecution for victims of BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Chapter 8, Penal Code, is amended by adding Section 8.09 to read as follows: Sec. 8.09. VICTIM OF TRAFFICKING, COMPELLING PROSTITUTION, OR FAMILY VIOLENCE. (a) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution that the actor engaged in the conduct charged because the actor was coerced, acting under duress, or reasonably feared harm as a result of being the victim of an offense: (1) under Section 20A.02 or 43.05; or (2) punishable under Section 22.01(b)(2). (b) Information relevant to the identification of a defendant's status as a victim of an offense described by Subsection (a) may be offered to establish an affirmative defense SECTION 2. The change in law made by this Act applies only to an offense committed on or after the effective date of this Act. An offense committed before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the date the offense was committed, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. For purposes of this section, an offense was committed before the effective date of this Act if any element of the offense occurred SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Bill History
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to an affirmative defense to prosecution for victims of
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