Relating to an affirmative defense to prosecution for victims of certain offenses.

HB 2772 creates a new affirmative defense in Texas law for individuals prosecuted for crimes they committed while being victims of specific offenses. It applies when someone engaged in criminal conduct due to coercion, duress, or reasonable fear of harm resulting from being a victim of human trafficking (Section 20A.02), compelling prostitution (Section 43.05), or family violence (Section 22.01(b)(2)). Defendants can present evidence of their victim status to establish this defense, which would prevent prosecution for the underlying offense. The law applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025. This policy change directly affects victims of these specific crimes who face criminal charges related to their victimization.