Bill

HB 1845

84(R) - 2015
House Criminal Jurisprudence
House Criminal Jurisprudence
Child abuse
Criminal Justice

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Susan King

Bill Caption

Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for causing certain assaultive physical contact with a child.

Fiscal Notes

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 1845 would amend the Penal Code to increase the punishment of assaultive physical contact with a child from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor.

A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $4,000, confinement in jail for a term not to exceed one year, or both.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Raising the penalty from a Class C to a Class A misdemeanor for assault against children is within the role of government to defend the most vulnerable, and we support HB 1845.

It should be noted that the punishment for harming a child is currently less severe than the penalty for harming an elderly or disabled individual. This is an inconsistency that should be addressed.