Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3566

Caption

Relating to the forensic examination of a victim of an alleged strangulation assault or sexual assault.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts existing state laws by expanding the definitions related to violence and victim rights within the Code of Criminal Procedure. By formalizing the roles and responsibilities of forensic nurses, it aims to improve the standard of care provided to victims. Furthermore, the provisions regarding the reimbursement for medical examinations underscore a commitment to support victims and facilitate the collection of evidence necessary for prosecution. Overall, the modifications seek to strengthen victims' rights and improve law enforcement responses in cases of strangulation and sexual assault.

Summary

House Bill 3566 aims to enhance the legal framework concerning the forensic examination of victims of alleged strangulation and sexual assaults in Texas. It amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to define new terms, including 'forensic nurse' and 'strangulation assault', and establishes specific rights for victims within the criminal justice system, ensuring that they receive adequate protection and information throughout the legal proceedings. The bill also directs law enforcement to request forensic examinations for victims while ensuring that victims are not financially burdened by the costs of these examinations.

Contention

Despite the bill's intent to enhance victim rights and safety, discussions surrounding its implementation may raise points of contention. Concerns could arise regarding the adequacy of resources available for law enforcement and healthcare facilities to comply with the new mandates. Moreover, there might be debates over the efficacy of new definitions and processes, particularly in ensuring victims' access to necessary medical examinations and protection under the law. Stakeholders may also question how the measures would be enforced and whether they would effectively deter future occurrences of such violent crimes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1401

Relating to the rights of victims of sexual assault and to certain procedures and reimbursements occurring with respect to a sexual assault or other sex offense.

TX HB2668

Relating to the rights of victims of sexual assault and to certain procedures and reimbursements occurring with respect to a sexual assault or other sex offense.

TX HB2395

Relating to the duties of peace officers regarding interactions with victims of sexual assault.

TX SB806

Relating to the duties of peace officers regarding interactions with victims of sexual assault.

TX HB2051

Relating to the compilation and reporting of statistics involving sexual assault victims who receive a forensic medical examination before reporting the assault to law enforcement.

TX HB4216

Relating to certain notifications related to the rights of crime victims.

TX SB2101

Relating to certain notifications related to the rights of crime victims.

TX HB4518

Relating to the authority of a court to grant a commutation of punishment to certain individuals serving a term of imprisonment and to victims' rights regarding a motion to grant a commutation.

TX SB1527

Relating to human trafficking, including the prosecution and punishment of compelling and solicitation of prostitution and other sexual or assaultive offenses; increasing a criminal penalty; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB3451

Relating to human trafficking, including the prosecution and punishment of compelling and solicitation of prostitution and other sexual or assaultive offenses; increasing a criminal penalty; creating a criminal offense.

Similar Bills

CA AB2822

Domestic violence.

NJ A3272

Establishes crime of strangulation chokehold.

NJ A1370

Establishes crime of strangulation chokehold.

CA AB2695

Law enforcement: criminal statistics.

CA AB1977

Domestic violence: data collection.

CA SB40

Domestic violence.

CA AB2185

Forensic examinations: domestic violence.

ME LD1572

An Act Regarding Prosecution Standards for Nonfatal Strangulation or Suffocation in Domestic Violence Cases