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HB 380

Relating to certain statutes of limitations for criminal offenses, including the statute of limitations for the offense of improper relationship between educator and student, and to the applicability of sex offender registration requirements for the offense of improper relationship between educator and student.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Ben Bumgarner and 6 co-sponsors

Extends prosecution timelines and mandates sex offender registration for educator-student improper relationship offenses in Texas criminal law.

Referred to State Affairs
#crimes--againstpersons--sexual(i0171) #education--primary&secondary--general(i0230) #education--primary&secondary--otherschoolpersonnel(i0246) #education--primary&secondary--teachers(i0242) #sexualoffenders(s0099) #statutesoflimitations(s0065)
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Bill Summary · HB 380

Legislative bill overview

HB 380 modifies Texas criminal law regarding improper relationships between educators and students by extending the statute of limitations for prosecution and expanding sex offender registration requirements for this offense. The bill addresses both how long prosecutors have to file charges and what post-conviction consequences offenders face.

Why is this important

Educators occupy positions of authority and trust with minors, making abuse particularly harmful. Extending statutes of limitations allows more victims time to come forward, while expanded sex offender registration increases public awareness and monitoring of convicted offenders. These changes directly affect accountability mechanisms for a specific category of sexual abuse.

Potential points of contention

  • Retroactivity concerns: Whether extended statutes of limitations apply to past offenses, potentially reopening cases previously considered closed or settled
  • Scope of "improper relationship": Questions about what conduct qualifies, how it differs from other sexual offenses, and whether the offense definition is sufficiently clear
  • Sex offender registry burden: Whether mandatory registration for all such cases is proportionate, given that "improper relationship" may involve varying levels of severity or age differences
  • Due process considerations: Defense arguments that longer prosecution windows disadvantage defendants by making evidence staler and witnesses harder to locate
  • Legislative intent clarity: Current status shows the bill was rereferred after initial committee assignment, suggesting possible negotiation over specific provisions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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