Bill

HB 3588

86(R) - 2019
House Criminal Jurisprudence
House Criminal Jurisprudence
Crimes
Criminal Procedure

Vote Recommendation

Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Todd Hunter

Bill Caption

Relating to increasing the criminal penalties for the offenses of producing, directing, or promoting a sexual performance by a child and possessing child pornography.

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB 3588, As Introduced: an impact of $0 through the biennium ending August 31, 2021. The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill. 

Bill Analysis

HB 3588 would increase the penalty for: (1) sexual performance by a child to second degree felony if the victim is above 14 years old and a first degree felony if the victim is under 14 years old, and (2) possession of child pornography to a second degree felony, and a repeat offense to a first degree felony. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action remains neutral on HB 3588. While we generally oppose penalty increases, here there are sufficient mens rea protections for these crimes (a defendant must knowingly and intentionally commit these offenses), and the nature of the crimes are especially heinous. Therefore, the penalty increases provided for in this bill seem proportionate to the crimes.