Texas Senate Bill SB843

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/25/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/2/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/12/09

Caption

Relating to protective orders against dating violence.

Impact

If enacted, SB843 would bring notable changes in the law concerning the issuance of protective orders in Texas. The clarified definitions are intended to improve the law's accessibility for victims who may previously have been deterred from seeking protection due to ambiguity in the definitions of family or dating violence. This could lead to an increase in the number of protective orders granted, providing recipients with timely legal recourse and potentially preventing further incidents of domestic violence.

Summary

SB843 proposes amendments to the Family Code regarding the definitions and applications of protective orders related to family and dating violence. The bill seeks to clarify what constitutes dating violence, thereby enhancing the legal framework for protecting individuals from harm within intimate relationships. Specifically, it modifies the definitions associated with both 'dating violence' and 'family violence' to provide clearer guidelines on what actions can be construed as threatening or harmful. These changes aim to simplify the legal process for victims seeking protective orders against their abusers.

Contention

Some points of contention may arise regarding the bill’s implementation and its implications for individuals accused of dating or family violence. Critics could argue that the amendments might result in an increase in the issuance of protective orders, which could be misused or overly applied in contested situations. However, proponents of the bill stress the importance of providing greater safety to victims and ensuring that the law reflects the reality of dating and family violence in contemporary society. The bill's supporters assert that these changes are crucial for adequate legal defenses for victims seeking intervention.