March 31, 2025
Austin, TX – Texas lawmakers are considering House Bill 2000, known as “Audrii’s Law,” in an effort to close a loophole that allowed a convicted child predator to remain off the state’s sex offender registry—a failure that may have contributed to the tragic murder of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham.
During an emotional hearing before the Texas House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee, Audrii’s grandmother, Tabitha Munsch, delivered powerful testimony urging lawmakers to act.
“Had this bill been in place, had this loophole never existed, he would have been nowhere near our sweet baby,” Munsch said, referring to Don Steven McDougal, the man charged with Audrii’s murder in February 2024.
Closing a Dangerous Loophole
McDougal, who had a prior conviction for child enticement, was not required to register as a sex offender under Texas law. In 2007, he pleaded guilty to enticing a child, but because that charge did not mandate sex offender registration, he was able to live undetected near Audrii and her family.
If passed, Audrii’s Law—introduced by State Representative Trent Ashby—would require individuals convicted of child grooming and related offenses to be placed on the Texas Sex Offender Registry. This would allow communities to be aware of potential threats and prevent dangerous offenders from slipping through the cracks.
“It is unconscionable that a violent criminal like McDougal was able to walk the streets without registering as a sex offender,” Ashby said. “Criminals with a history like his need to be on a publicly available list so that people can protect their families.”
Support and Next Steps
The bill has gained support from victims’ advocacy groups, including Crime Stoppers of Houston. Andy Kahan, Director of Victim Services, emphasized the importance of this legislation.
“What can we do to prevent this from happening in the future? Passing Audrii’s Law will do that,” Kahan stated.
If approved, Audrii’s Law would take effect on September 1, 2025, applying to new offenses committed after that date. The bill is currently under review by the Texas House Committee, marking a crucial step in strengthening child protection laws in the state.
The Cunningham family continues to fight for justice, hoping that Audrii’s tragic death will lead to changes that protect other children from similar harm.
