| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Neutral | Neutral | Positive | Positive | Positive |
Relating to the criminal offense of online solicitation relating to a minor; creating a criminal offense; changing eligibility for community supervision.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
HB 3111 would expand the criminal offense of online solicitation of a minor to include the electronic solicitation of another adult with the intent of causing a minor to meet another person to engage in sexual contact. The penalty for this offense would be a second-degree felony. A person who pleads guilty to or is convicted of online solicitation relating to a minor would become ineligible for community supervision.
Texas Action supports HB 3111 which would close a potential loophole in statute prohibiting indirect solicitation of a minor. This bill is in alignment with limited government by setting a penalty that is proportionate to the crime, requiring an offender to be held to an appropriate level of responsibility, and protecting the liberty of victims or intended victims.