Child Grooming in Texas: Senate Bill 1527

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June 26, 2025
By Kent Starr Law

Child Grooming in Texas: Senate Bill 1527

Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

The passage of Texas Senate Bill 1527 on September 1, 2023, created a new law: Texas Penal Code, Section 15.032. Child Grooming.

There is no doubt that this relatively new law was passed with the goal of protecting vulnerable children against sexual abuse and trafficking. However, the law’s wording is viewed by many as ambiguous, potentially leaving adults open to false allegations.

What is considered ‘Child Grooming’ in Texas?

The law, as it is currently written, is arguably vague.

Texas Penal Code Section 15.032 states, in part, that a crime is committed if an individual “knowingly persuades, induces, entices, or coerces, or attempts to persuade, induce, entice, or coerce, a child younger than 18 years of age to engage in specific conduct” including prostitution, trafficking of persons, sexual offenses, and certain assaultive offenses.

However, the law stops short of actually defining “persuade,” “induce,” “entice,” and “coerce.” This omission can leave adults with honest intentions open to false allegations.

In terms of plain language, some child advocacy groups identify certain behaviors as grooming — including developing a close relationship with a child and buying them gifts. These are also actions carried out by countless adults who genuinely care for the children in their lives and have no criminal intentions.

Accused of Child Grooming in Texas?

Learning that you have been implicated in a Child Grooming case can be both emotionally and legally complex.

There are several affirmative defenses to Child Grooming charges in Texas. After reviewing the circumstances of your case, a child grooming defense attorney may determine that one or more of the following strategies apply.

Lack of evidence

While Texas Penal Code Section 15.032 exists to protect children from predators, some individuals may attempt to weaponize the legal system, in an effort to make another person’s life miserable. Baseless accusations of Child Grooming can occur when there is a divorce, relationship break-up, or child custody dispute.

Lack of criminal intent

According to Section 15.032 of the Texas Penal Code, behaviors that constitute “child grooming” occur with the intent to sexually abuse or traffic the child.

Giving a child a gift because you have the financial means to do so, or mentoring a child because you want to see them succeed are not crimes. The burden is on the prosecution to prove that there was criminal intent behind the accused’s action.

The “Romeo and Juliet” clause

Texas law provides protections for teenagers who have consensual dating/sexual relationships with their close-in-age peers. Section 15.032 of the Texas Penal Code allows for an age difference of up to three years.

Please note, at the time of this writing, the so-called “Romeo and Juliet” defense only applies to opposite sex couples. Same sex couples are not afforded the same legal protection.

Marriage

The Texas Child Grooming law does not apply to legally married spouses, regardless of their ages.

Child Grooming in Texas: FAQs

Below are answers to frequently asked questions about Child Grooming in Texas and Texas Senate Bill 1527. This information is meant to be a general overview of the law, and is not a substitute for speaking with an attorney about your specific Child Grooming case.

What is the ‘Texas Human Trafficking Bill’?

Texas Senate Bill 1527 — which passed into law and changed several sections of the state’s Penal Code on Sept. 1, 2023 — is sometimes referred to as the “Texas Human Trafficking Bill.”

Note that the passage of S.B. 1527 changed several laws in addition to Child Grooming, including those pertaining to Trafficking of Persons, Solicitation of Prostitution, Compelling Prostitution, and Possession or Promotion of Child Pornography.

Is Child Grooming a felony in Texas?

Yes. Child Grooming is a third degree felony in Texas. The penalties for a third degree felony are a prison term of two to 10 years and a monetary fine of up to $10,000.

Individuals with certain prior convictions could face enhanced second degree felony charges, the penalties for which are a prison term of two to 20 years and a monetary fine of up to $10,000.

Child Grooming Defense Attorney in Plano, Texas

Accusations of Child Grooming in Texas are a serious matter. If you’ve been approached by law enforcement, or otherwise suspect you’re being investigated, you can help protect your legal rights by contacting Attorney Kent Starr.

Attorney Starr routinely defends his clients against charges of sexual offenses against minors. These cases are all a matter of public record, and he is more than happy to sit down and discuss those case outcomes with you.

A conviction for Child Grooming in Texas can result in going to prison for 10 years. For those with certain prior convictions, it could be up to 20 years. That is a significant amount of time away from your family and your career. Unfortunately, those with felony convictions on their record can have difficulty finding employment or a place to live upon their release.

Many Plano law firms will take on Child Grooming cases, but few have the past results of Mr. Starr. Take a few minutes to read through and watch client reviews for Attorney Kent Starr. While each case is different, you’ll see how he regularly pursues and achieves positive outcomes, including dismissals, not guilty verdicts, probation, and reduced sentences.

This reputation is possible because Attorney Starr fights for the best possible case resolutions, which are not necessarily the fastest resolutions. Unlike many other Child Grooming defense attorneys, Mr. Starr is not afraid to take cases before a judge or jury, and doing so can take a year, two years, or more.

Arrested for Child Grooming in Collin County, Texas?

Are you being held at the Collin County Detention Facility, 4300 Community Avenue in McKinney? Or are you under arrest at another jail?

Mr. Kent Starr has the added advantage of being a bail bonds attorney, which many law firms do not have the financial capabilities to do so.

One phone call to Starr Law, P.C. can negotiate the terms of your release, secure your freedom, and start your legal representation. Call today for your free consultation, 214-982-1408.