✅Relating to the applicability of sex offender registration requirements to the offense of child grooming.

HB 2000

✅ HB 2000: Closes the Sex Offender Registry Gap for Child Grooming

What it says it does:
HB 2000, known as Audrii’s Law, adds child grooming to the list of crimes that require registration as a sex offender.

What it actually changes:
Before this bill, grooming was a punishable offense but did not trigger registry requirements. HB 2000 fixes that by adding grooming to the definition of “reportable conviction.” It also ensures out-of-state and federal grooming convictions are recognized in Texas.

Who is pushing for it:
Law enforcement and victims’ advocacy groups, including the Texas Municipal Police Association, CLEAT, Sheriffs’ Association of Texas, Police Chiefs Association, Crime Stoppers Houston, CASA, and TexProtects.

Who benefits:
Children and families gain stronger protection. Law enforcement gains a clear legal mandate to track offenders who commit grooming crimes.

Who gets left out or exposed:
Past offenders convicted before September 1, 2025, are not affected. The Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association opposed the bill, warning about expanding registry consequences.

Why this matters long term:
This closes a real gap in public safety without creating new bureaucracy, new spending, or hidden contracting. It strengthens trust that the justice system can respond to serious crimes while staying focused on its purpose.

What to watch next:
Future sessions may build on this model to add more offenses or clarify “substantially similar” definitions across states. Implementation consistency will depend on DPS guidance and local coordination.

Bottom line:
HB 2000 is a straightforward win for child protection and community safety. It’s a clean law that fixes what was missing and keeps oversight intact.

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