Texas Senate Bill SB967

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the prosecution of the offenses of sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts state laws by redefining the parameters of consent within legal proceedings concerning sexual assault. By making it clear that a mistaken belief in consent is no defense if a reasonable person could have known otherwise, SB967 aims to create a more victim-centric approach in legal contexts, potentially leading to more convictions and a stricter application of justice in sexual violence cases. The changes will apply to offenses committed on or after the bill's effective date, which helps to ensure that new legal standards are consistently applied going forward.

Summary

SB967 aims to amend sections of the Texas Penal Code relating to the prosecution of sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault. A significant change made by this bill is the clarification of what constitutes consent, emphasizing that express consent must be demonstrated through words or actions indicating a voluntary agreement. This modification is designed to strengthen the legal framework in prosecuting sexual offenses by reducing the ambiguity surrounding consent, which has often been a point of contention in such cases.

Contention

Notable points of contention around SB967 include discussions regarding the implications of redefining consent, particularly in the context of how such changes may affect defendants. Critics may argue that the reinterpretation of consent could lead to unjust prosecutions, particularly where there may be grey areas about mutual understanding between parties involved. However, supporters assert that the bill will improve the prosecution of sexual assault cases and better align legal definitions with societal expectations regarding consent.