Relating to sexually violent predators, to the Texas Civil Commitment Office, and to the prosecution of the offense of harassment by sexually violent predators and other persons confined in certain facilities; amending certain sex offender registration requirements; increasing criminal penalties.
Impact
If enacted, SB1610 would significantly affect how sexually violent predators are monitored and prosecuted under state law. Among the most notable changes would be the increase in criminal penalties for certain offenses committed by individuals already identified as sexually violent predators. This includes harsher punishments for harassment acts towards civil commitment facility staff or officers. Additionally, the bill modifies sex offender registration laws, likely increasing the frequency and rigor of compliance checks for individuals required to register due to their offenses. These changes are aimed at diminishing recidivism and enhancing community protection.
Summary
SB1610 focuses on the management and prosecution of sexually violent predators, strengthening the Texas Civil Commitment Office's role in civil commitment processes. The bill proposes amendments to existing laws, particularly around sex offender registration and the prosecution of offenses by civilly committed individuals. This legislation aims to enhance public safety by increasing penalties for specific crimes, including harassment committed by sexually violent predators, and addresses the legal framework surrounding the civil commitment of offenders. The changes emphasize the need for stricter control over individuals previously classified as sexually violent predators.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB1610 appears to be largely supportive among advocates for stronger measures against sexually violent offenders, arguing that these changes are necessary to protect communities. However, there is also a concern among some legal experts and civil rights advocates regarding the potential for increased stigmatization and the effectiveness of such legislative measures in actually preventing offenses. This division reflects a larger dialogue about the balance between public safety and the rights of civilly committed individuals.
Contention
Notable points of contention arise from discussions about the bill's implications for civil liberties, as critics fear that heightened penalties may not effectively deter crimes but instead lead to broader punitive measures against individuals who may have already been rehabilitated. Furthermore, the bill's enforcement mechanisms raise questions about the resources available for monitoring compliance with new registration protocols, which critics argue could be burdensome without appropriate funding and operational frameworks.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Penal Code
Chapter 3. Multiple Prosecutions
Section: New Section
Chapter 12. Punishments
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Chapter 21. Sexual Offenses
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Chapter 22. Assaultive Offenses
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: 11
Section: New Section
Section: 11
Chapter 38. Obstructing Governmental Operation
Section: New Section
Section: 115
Section: New Section
Section: 11
Section: 11
Chapter 36. Bribery And Corrupt Influence
Section: 06
Section: 06
Code Of Criminal Procedure
Chapter 42. Judgment And Sentence
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Chapter 62. Sex Offender Registration Program
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Chapter 14. Arrest Without Warrant
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Chapter 17. Bail
Section: New Section
Chapter 66. Criminal History Record System
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Chapter 16. The Commitment Or Discharge Of The Accused
Section: New Section
Health And Safety Code
Chapter 841. Civil Commitment Of Sexually Violent Predators
Section: New Section
Section: 022
Section: 083
Section: 084
Section: 147
Section: New Section
Section: 022
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: 022
Section: 083
Section: 147
Section: New Section
Section: 022
Section: 083
Section: 0835
Section: 084
Section: 147
Section: 022
Section: 083
Section: 0835
Section: 084
Section: 147
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: 147
Government Code
Chapter 508. Parole And Mandatory Supervision
Section: 149
Chapter 2155. Purchasing: General Rules And Procedures
Section: 144
Section: 144
Chapter 411. Department Of Public Safety Of The State Of Texas
Section: 1389
Section: 1389
Chapter 420. Sexual Assault Prevention And Crisis Services
Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to increasing the criminal penalties for certain repeat sex offenders and to the admissibility of evidence of certain extraneous offenses or acts in the prosecution of certain sexual and assaultive offenses.
Relating to the prosecution and punishment of certain criminal offenses committed in the course of or for the purpose of avoiding certain law enforcement checkpoints or evading an arrest or detention; increasing criminal penalties.
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.
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.
Relating to the prosecution and punishment of certain criminal offenses committed in the course of or for the purpose of unlawfully entering the United States, unlawfully bypassing certain law enforcement checkpoints, or evading an arrest or detention; increasing criminal penalties.
Relating to procedures related to juvenile justice proceedings, the adjudication and disposition of cases involving delinquent conduct, and certain offenses or conduct committed by a child or by a person placed in or committed to certain juvenile facilities; changing the eligibility for community supervision.
Relating to the age of a child at which a juvenile court may exercise jurisdiction over the child, to the age of criminal responsibility, and to certain substantive and procedural matters related to those ages.