Texas House Bill HB649

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/8/11
• Introduced: 1/13/11
• Voted on by House: 4/25/11
• Refer: 2/21/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/12/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/19/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 4/29/11
• Report Pass: 5/12/11
• Enrolled: 5/21/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the issuance and duration of certain protective orders for victims of sexual assault.

Impact

One significant change brought about by HB 649 is the enhancement of the effectiveness of protective orders. The bill allows protective orders to remain in effect for the lives of both the victim and the offender, provided the court finds significant threats to the victim's safety. This extended duration provides ongoing protection for victims, reducing the need for repeated court interventions and potentially improving their sense of security and well-being.

Summary

House Bill 649 addresses the issuance and duration of protective orders specifically for victims of sexual assault. The bill provides clear guidelines for courts to follow when granting protective orders, ensuring that courts look into whether there are reasonable grounds to believe the applicant is a victim of sexual assault. This measure aims to enhance the protection of individuals who may be at risk of further harm from alleged offenders by enabling the timely issuance of protective orders in appropriate cases.

Contention

While the bill aims to reinforce victim protections, some concerns have been raised regarding its implications on the legal process. Opponents of the bill worry about potential abuse of the protective order system whereby individuals may seek protective orders not necessarily grounded in truth or necessity, which could lead to undue restrictions on the rights of the alleged offenders. The balance between protecting victims and ensuring due process for the accused remains a point of contention among legislators and advocacy groups.