BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 290
82R117 HLT-D	By: Jackson, Jim et al. (Nelson)
	Criminal Justice
	5/19/2011
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

It is the state's responsibility to protect and prevent the exploitation of children.  H.B. 290 creates a stronger penalty for employing a minor at a sexually oriented business to reflect the serious nature of such employment.

H.B. 290 amends current law relating to the punishment for the offense of employment harmful to children.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 43.251(c), Penal Code, to provide that an offense under this section relating to employment harmful to children is a Class A misdemeanor, unless it is shown on the trial of the offense that the defendant has previously been convicted under this section, in which event the offense is a felony of the third degree.

SECTION 2.  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3.  Effective date: September 1, 2011.