Table of Contents
While we strive to be as accurate and complete as possible, our researchers are not attorneys, and state laws are often full of nuances and gaps. Legal challenges in some states have resulted in different registration requirements based on the year of conviction or first registration. Users must accept all risks associated with actions taken based on this information. Please help us improve by reporting any errors or omissions via our form at https://narsol.org/wiki-response/
Texas Laws Regarding Registration
Who must register?
62.001(5)
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/htm/CR.62.htm#62.001
62.002
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/htm/CR.62.htm#62.002
What information must registrants provide?
How frequently must they register? And for how long?
Repeat offenders 90 days; others yearly 62.058
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/htm/CR.62.htm#62.058
With a few exceptions, for life 62.101(a) or ten years 62.101(b)
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/htm/CR.62.htm#62.101
Does the state categorize registrants by levels/tiers?
Yes, level 1 (low risk), level 2 (moderate risk), level 3 (high risk)
Does the state use risk assessment when assigning tiers or levels to registrants?
Do any registrants remain privately registered? If so, who?
Only a juvenile sex offender’s registration information ordered nonpublic by a juvenile court. SO FAQ 10
https://www.dps.texas.gov/administration/crime_records/pages/faq.htm#a1
Is there a registration fee?
No
Are there special restrictions for registrants even after supervision?
Prohibited employment 62.063
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/htm/CR.62.htm#62.063
Prohibited location of residence at universities and restrictions on entry onto school premises 62.064
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/htm/CR.62.htm#62.064
Individual jurisdictions may establish residency restrictions
Is there a process for removal from the registry? If so, who qualifies and what is the process?
What is the registration requirement for someone with a sexual offense who is visiting the state?
Complicated; basically, if in state 3 or more times for 48 or more hours within a month’s period must report before the last day of that month
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/htm/CR.62.htm#62.059
What is the registration requirement for someone with a sexual offense who will be moving to the state to live or to attend school?
More than 14 consecutive or 30 aggregate days in a year 62.151
see also 62.152 and .153
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/htm/CR.62.htm#62.151
State Laws Regarding Sexual Offenses and Offenders, other than registration
What sexual offenses can people be convicted of, and what are the ranges of sentences?
21.02; 21.07 – 21.18
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.21.htm
22.011; 22.021
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.22.htm
25.02
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.25.htm
43.05;43.45,46
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.43.htm
20.02,03,04
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.20.htm
Does the state have lifetime supervision?
No.
Does the state have indeterminate sentencing?
Only for juveniles, and they must be discharged at age 19.
http://www.tjjd.texas.gov/index.php/doc-library/category/340-policy
What are the state civil commitment laws?
61.201
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/htm/CR.62.htm#62.201
61.202
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/htm/CR.62.htm#62.202
What is the age of consent?
Age of consent is 17. Sec.A21.11
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/pdf/PE.21.pdf
Are there “Romeo and Juliet” laws or other laws specific to young people?
Info for State Advocates
Are felons allowed to vote? If so, when is this right restored?
Reentry Resources for Ex-Offenders Voting
https://guides.sll.texas.gov/reentry-resources/voting
What does the state say about persons who are required to register?
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/CR/htm/CR.62.htm
https://www.dps.texas.gov/administration/crime_records/pages/sexoffender.htm
How does the state’s legislative process work?
How can I locate legislation regarding sexual offense issues?
Best keywords are:
Sexual offense, sex offender, sex offender registration
How to sign up for notifications of bill movement:
Most important legislative committees for our issues are:
Appropriations:
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/Committees/MembershipCmte.aspx?LegSess=85R&CmteCode=C030
Criminal jurisprudence:
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/Committees/MembershipCmte.aspx?LegSess=85R&CmteCode=C220
Juvenile justice and family:
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/Committees/MembershipCmte.aspx?LegSess=85R&CmteCode=C340
Contact info for state legislators can be found at:
https://capitol.texas.gov/Members/Members.aspx?Chamber=S
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/Members/Members.aspx?Chamber=H
Other Useful State Information
Contact information for state registry office
Sex Offender Registration Bureau (512) 424-2800
https://www.dps.texas.gov/administration/crime_records/pages/sexoffender.htm
https://www.dps.texas.gov/administration/crime_records/pages/contact.htm
NARSOL state affiliate website or blog:
Texas Voices for Reason and Justice
http://texasvoices.org/
Other helpful state advocacy groups:
Response needed.
Other registrant-friendly state support groups:
Response needed.