What Central Texas Residents Need to Know
On September 1, 2025, a significant change to Texas law will take effect, making it a criminal offense to create, possess, or promote AI-generated child pornography. This update closes an important gap in existing legislation and strengthens protections for children in the digital era. The legal team at Winters & Chidester, based in Georgetown, is here to help Central Texas residents understand what these changes mean.
Legislative Background: SB 20 and SB 1621
The Texas Legislature recently passed Senate Bill 20 and Senate Bill 1621 in response to the growing use of artificial intelligence to create explicit images of children. Previously, the law focused on explicit images involving actual minors. However, new technology allows individuals to create highly realistic depictions of children without a real person being involved. This presented a loophole that prosecutors could not always close.
Key provisions of the new legislation include:
Expanded Definition: The law explicitly includes any visual depiction, whether created using real subjects, animation, or artificial intelligence, if it appears to show a child in sexual conduct.
Criminal Penalties: Offenses can range from a state jail felony to a second-degree felony for repeat convictions, carrying the potential for significant prison time and fines.
Focus on Intent: Even accessing such material with the intent to view it can result in charges, regardless of whether it was downloaded or stored.
Under the updated law, it is now a criminal offense to knowingly possess, access with intent to view, or promote obscene visual material that appears to depict a minor in a sexual act, even if the image is entirely AI-generated or animated.
Why This Matters for Central Texas
Law enforcement in Georgetown and surrounding communities now has broader authority to pursue cases involving synthetic or computer-generated depictions of minors. This change reflects the state’s commitment to addressing emerging threats in the digital space and keeping communities safe.
The law sends a clear message that technology will not be used as a shield for those seeking to exploit children. By including AI-generated content under the definition of child pornography, Texas closes the loophole that once allowed this type of material to circulate without legal consequence.
How Winters & Chidester Can Help
If you are a Central Texas resident, business owner, or digital content creator, it is essential to understand your legal responsibilities under the new statutes.
The team at Winters & Chidester offers:
Criminal Defense Representation: If you are under investigation or facing charges related to AI-generated material, our team provides experienced, strategic defense to protect your rights and challenge the evidence against you.
Preventive Legal Guidance: We can review your digital practices to help ensure compliance with Texas law and reduce the risk of legal issues.
Policy Development: For organizations or online platforms, we assist in creating clear policies and training programs to help staff and users remain compliant.
Staying Informed in a Rapidly Changing Digital World
If you or someone you know is accused of possessing or promoting AI-generated material that falls under these new statutes, the consequences can be severe, including potential felony charges, lengthy prison sentences, and substantial fines. Even an investigation can have lasting personal and professional impacts.
At Winters & Chidester, we understand the serious nature of these allegations and the unique challenges of defending cases involving digital evidence. Our criminal defense team draws on deep legal knowledge and practical courtroom experience to build strong, strategic defenses for our clients. We work to protect your rights, challenge questionable evidence, and pursue the best possible outcome in your case.
Whether you need preventive guidance to avoid legal trouble or an aggressive defense to fight charges, Winters & Chidester is here for clients throughout Central Texas. We are committed to providing clarity, protection, and unwavering advocacy when it matters most.
To schedule a consultation with our legal team, contact us online or call (512) 961-4555 today. Hablamos español.