Austin, TX – April 16, 2025
In a powerful and emotional display of bipartisan unity, the Texas House of Representatives has passed House Bill 2000, also known as Audrii’s Law, with unanimous support. The legislation, named in honor of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham of Livingston, aims to close a legal loophole that allowed certain child sex offenders to avoid registering as sex offenders.
Audrii was tragically murdered in February 2024. The man accused in her death, Don Steven McDougal, had a 2007 conviction for a sex crime involving a minor. Due to a plea deal, he was not required to register as a sex offender — a loophole that Audrii’s Law now seeks to eliminate.
“This bill is about protecting children, giving families peace of mind, and making sure no other child falls through the cracks,” said Rep. Charles “Doc” Anderson, the bill’s primary author, addressing the chamber moments before the vote.
Under Audrii’s Law, anyone convicted of child grooming — a crime formally added to Texas law in 2023 — will be automatically required to register as a sex offender, ensuring that communities are aware of offenders in their area. The law will apply to offenses committed after its effective date, proposed as September 1, 2025.
The legislation comes after months of public outcry and advocacy from Audrii’s family, who have attended hearings, spoken with lawmakers, and called for reforms to protect children across Texas.
“Audrii was full of life, and she didn’t deserve what happened to her,” said Cassie Matthews, Audrii’s mother. “If this law had been in place sooner, maybe things would have been different. We can’t bring her back, but we can fight to keep other children safe.”
The bill now heads to the Texas Senate, where it is expected to receive similar bipartisan support. If passed there, it will go to Governor Greg Abbott, who has publicly expressed support for the measure.
Advocates say the law could become a model for other states seeking to strengthen protections against child predators, especially those who attempt to use plea agreements to avoid accountability.
“This isn’t just a Texas issue,” said child safety advocate Monica Hill, who worked with the family. “This is a national conversation, and Texas is now leading the way.”
For now, Audrii’s family and supporters celebrate a step forward — a sign that her name, though associated with tragedy, may help save countless lives.
For continued updates on the bill’s progress, visit Texas Legislature Online.