HB 2843

relating to civil liability for sexual assault resulting in a
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Title 4, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, is
amended by adding Chapter 98C to read as follows:
CHAPTER 98C.  LIABILITY FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT RESULTING IN PREGNANCY
Sec. 98C.001.  DEFINITION.  In this chapter, "sexual
assault" means conduct described by Section 22.011, Penal Code.
Sec. 98C.002.  LIABILITY FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT RESULTING IN
PREGNANCY.  (a)  A defendant who commits an act of sexual assault is
liable to the victim of the sexual assault, as provided by this
chapter, for damages arising out of a pregnancy resulting from the
sexual assault if the victim carries the pregnancy to term.
(b)  It is not a defense to liability under this chapter that
a defendant has been acquitted or has not been prosecuted or
convicted under Section 22.011, Penal Code, or has been convicted
of a different offense or of a different type of offense, for the
conduct that is alleged to give rise to liability under this
Sec. 98C.003.  DAMAGES.  (a)  A claimant who prevails in an
action brought under this chapter is entitled to recover actual
damages related to the pregnancy, the birth, and the care of the
(1)  medical expenses, including prenatal care,
delivery costs, and postnatal care;
(2)  loss of income, wages, or earning capacity;
(3)  any other economic damages related to the
pregnancy, birth, or care of the child; and
(4)  noneconomic damages, as defined by Section 41.001.
(b)  Noneconomic damages, including damages for mental
anguish and physical and emotional pain and suffering, may be
awarded to a claimant who prevails in an action brought under this
chapter regardless of whether economic damages are awarded to the
Sec. 98C.004.  CAUSE OF ACTION CUMULATIVE.  The cause of
action created by this chapter is cumulative of any other remedy
provided by common law or statute, including the ability to seek
payments for support of a child under Chapter 154, Family Code.
SECTION 2.  Chapter 98C, Civil Practice and Remedies Code,
as added by this Act, applies only to a cause of action that accrues
on or after the effective date of this Act.
SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.