Relating to the prosecution of the offense of sexual assault.

HB 1345 amends Texas law to clarify when sexual assault occurs without consent, directly affecting victims and prosecutors in criminal cases. It adds 14 specific scenarios where consent is deemed absent, such as when a perpetrator uses force, exploits trust in professional relationships (e.g., mental health providers or clergy), administers substances without consent, or takes advantage of a victim’s unconsciousness or dependency. The law expands the legal definition of non-consent to cover these situations, making it easier for prosecutors to prove cases where victims could not meaningfully consent. This change applies only to offenses committed after the law takes effect.