By: Huffman S.B. No. 1184
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the presentation of a statement by a victim, close
relative of a deceased victim, or guardian of a victim after the
conclusion of a juvenile disposition hearing.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 54.04, Texas Family Code, is amended by
adding new subsection (z) to read as follows:
(z) The juvenile court shall permit a victim, close relative
of a deceased victim, or guardian of a victim, as defined by Section
57.001, Texas Family Code, to appear in person to present to the
court and to the child a statement of the person's views about the
delinquent conduct and the effect of the delinquent conduct on the
victim. The victim, relative, or guardian may not direct questions
to the child while making the statement. The court reporter may not
transcribe the statement. The statement must be made:
(1) after the Court has determined that there is a need
for a disposition;
(2) after the Court has determined whether to place
the child on probation or commit the child to the Texas Juvenile
Justice Department; and
(3) after the Court has announced the terms and
conditions of the child's probation or committed the child to the
Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
SECTION 2. The change in law made by this Act applies to a
disposition hearing held on or after the effective date of this Act,
regardless of whether the delinquent conduct occurred before, on,
or after the effective date of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.