Texas House Bill HCR59

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Requesting the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the House of Representatives to provide for a joint interim study regarding domestic violence.

Impact

If enacted, HCR59 requests the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House to conduct a joint interim study focused on domestic violence in Texas. This study aims to gather comprehensive data on the prevalence of domestic violence, its consequences, and the efficacy of current support systems in place for victims. The conclusion of this study is intended to culminate in a detailed report that will provide findings and recommendations to the 88th Texas Legislature, thus ensuring that domestic violence continues to be addressed at the legislative level.

Summary

HCR59 is a concurrent resolution that seeks to address the pressing issue of domestic violence in Texas. With nearly 200,000 incidents reported in 2015 and an alarming statistic that one in three Texans will become a victim of domestic violence in their lifetime, this resolution emphasizes the need for a systematic response to this pervasive issue. Highlighting the fact that a significant percentage of victims are women, the bill underscores the societal ramifications of such violence, which affects not only those directly involved but also their families and the community at large.

Contention

While the resolution itself is not a contentious legislative change, it does highlight areas of concern about how domestic violence is addressed in Texas. Critics might argue about the effectiveness of studies in bringing about immediate change, while supporters may believe that gathering more information is a crucial step toward developing necessary legislative responses. Furthermore, the mention of children as often being affected by domestic violence raises important questions about child protection policies and mental health support, indicating that these issues should be part of the broader conversation about domestic violence in Texas.