LIVINGSTON, Texas – Audrii’s Law is now in effect and will help protect children across Texas from child predators.
WATCH: Finding Audrii: A story of tragic loss and lasting legacy
The law, formally known as H.B. 2000, was signed by Governor Greg Abbott earlier this year, but took effect on September 1.
In honor of the late Livingston girl, Audrii Cunningham, the legislation will enhance the requirements for who has to register as a sex offender in Texas.
Audrii was kidnapped from her Livingston home and brutally murdered in February 2024. Her killer, Don Steven McDougal, was living in a camper behind Audrii’s grandparents’ home. The family allowed McDougal to live there as they believed his story of wanting to turn his life around.
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McDougal had a prior charge of indecency with a child years before Audrii’s murder. However, he pleaded down the case, meaning he didn’t need to register as a sex offender.
It’s a loophole in the law that Audrii’s family and advocates alike say needs to be closed.
‘Audrii’s Law’ was authored by Rep. Trent Ashby and carried in the Senate by Sen. Robert Nichols. It expands the list of crimes requiring mandatory sex offender registration in Texas.
“This bill carries the weight of the devastating tragedy in East Texas,” Nichols said during a committee hearing earlier this year. “We must do everything we can to protect our children from predators.”
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Audrii’s family previously spoke with KPRC 2’s Gage Goulding as the law they testified for in Austin became law.
“I’m grateful. I feel [like] so many kids are gonna be saved by this and families saved from the heartache we’ve been through,” said Audrii’s grandmother, Tabitha Munsch.
Audrii lived with her grandparents at their home near Lake Livingston.
Her grandparents, Tabitha and Phillip Munsch, have been vocal in pushing the legislation through Austin.
Gage Goulding: "Do you think that this is something that would put a smile on her face?"
Tabitha Munsch: "Absolutely. Most proud little Texan you never met. And she would be so proud right now."
Gage Goulding: “I remember you telling me stories over the times we’ve talked that she always cared for others. And it’s such a rare thing for such a young person, but she always cared for others. Do you see this as an extension of that, that she’s going to be able to continue to care and protect kids that she had never even met?”
Tabitha Munsch: “She was just a child that liked to help others. To see that this is going to help even more people, she would be ecstatic. She would be so grateful because she was that person.”
Their mission isn’t done.
Making ‘Audrii’s Law’ a reality in Texas was task number 1 out of 50.
The goal is to ensure that every state has a law like ‘Audrii’s Law’ on the books to protect children across the country.
“This isn’t just a Texas problem we’re finding out. This is a national problem, and we want her law to help their children as well,” Munsch said. “We’re trying to find where these loopholes exist in other states and try to reach out to them.”
McDougal is serving a life sentence in prison.