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HB 1012

Relating to the prosecution of the criminal offense of sale, distribution, or display of harmful material to a minor.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Cody Harris and 7 co-sponsors

HB 1012 modifies criminal prosecution standards for distributing harmful material to minors in Texas, affecting retailers and speech protections.

Referred to State Affairs
#crimes--againstpersons--sexual(i0171) #minors--crimesagainst(i0532)
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Bill Summary · HB 1012

Legislative bill overview

HB 1012 modifies Texas law regarding the prosecution of distributing harmful material to minors. The bill refines criminal liability for the sale, distribution, or display of material deemed harmful to children, though specific amendments are not detailed in the current filing information provided.

Why is this important

Laws regulating harmful material to minors affect retailers, online platforms, publishers, and parental rights. These provisions balance First Amendment protections with state interests in protecting children from explicit content, impacting how businesses operate and what restrictions apply to commercial speech.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition clarity: How "harmful material" is defined—overly broad definitions could criminalize protected speech, while narrow ones may not adequately protect minors
  • First Amendment concerns: Determining which content restrictions survive constitutional scrutiny, particularly for online speech and artistic expression
  • Enforcement burden: Whether retailers, distributors, and platforms bear reasonable responsibility for age verification, and what compliance costs this creates for small businesses

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

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