| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Positive | Neutral |
Relating to the prosecution of and punishment for the criminal offense of hindering the investigation or prosecution of certain sexual offenses committed against a child; increasing criminal penalties.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
SB 568 would revise Penal Code with respect to punishment for certain sexual offenses against a child. The bill would create a third degree felony offense for hindering the investigation or prosecution of certain sexual offenses against a child.
A person 17 years of age or older will have committed this offense if the person both fails to report a sexual offense against a child and attempts to hinder the investigation or prosecution of the offense. If enacted, this new offense would be a third-degree felony which could be enhanced to a second degree felony depending on the circumstances.
Texas Action supports SB 568. If a person both fails to notify law enforcement of such crimes and attempts to hinder any investigation, they have committed a serious offense for which the proposed punishment is proportional.