The bill would amend the Penal Code making prohibited sexual conduct in which the victim and offender were related as defined by Section 25.02 (a) (1), currently punishable as a third degree felony, punishable as a second degree felony.  Under the provisions of the bill, prohibited sexual conduct in which the victim and offender were related as defined by Section 25.02 (a) (6), currently punishable as a second degree felony, would be punishable as a third degree felony.

A felony of the third degree is punishable by imprisonment in the institutional division for any term of not more than 10 years or less than 2 years, or, in addition to confinement, a fine not to exceed $10,000.

A felony of the second degree is punishable by imprisonment in the institutional division for any term of not more than 20 years or less than 2 years, or, in addition to confinement, a fine not to exceed $10,000.

Enhancing punishment for criminal behavior is expected to result in increased demands upon the correctional resources of counties or of the State due to longer terms of probation, or, longer terms of confinement in county jails or prison.  However, the number of offenders convicted under the provisions of the bill is not expected to result in increased demands upon the correctional resources of counties or of the State.