Bill

HB 71

84(R) - 2015
Senate Criminal Justice
Senate Criminal Justice

Vote Recommendation

Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Mary Gonzalez

Bill Caption

Relating to the prosecution of the offense of indecency with a child.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Penal Code to remove from the list of criteria for an affirmative defense to prosecution of indecency with a child, that a defendant who was not more than three years older than the victim be a member of the opposite sex. This analysis assumes the provisions of the bill would not result in a significant impact on state correctional agencies. 

Bill Analysis

HB 71 would apply the "Romeo & Juliette" defense to prosecution to offenses related to same sex conduct involving a minor and someone who is not more than three years older than the involved minor.

Vote Recommendation Notes

This is primarily a social issue. We do not recommend for or against bills that deal primarily with social issues, therefore we are neutral on HB 71.