Texas House Bill HB1686

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the application for and duration of a protective order for victims of certain offenses; enhancing a criminal penalty.

Impact

The bill significantly alters state law regarding the application and duration of protective orders. Prior to this legislation, the filing of protective orders could be dependent on various factors, including the victim's age and consent. HB1686 removes that ambiguity by ensuring state attorneys file protective orders on behalf of victims, thereby standardizing the protection process for all victims, particularly those over the age of 18, unless they explicitly refuse it. This shift is intended to enhance the safety and well-being of victims, recognizing their trauma and need for security after experiencing violent offenses.

Summary

House Bill 1686 aims to enhance the legal protections for victims of certain offenses by mandating the state attorney to file protective orders automatically following specific convictions. This bill particularly targets victims of severe crimes, ensuring they receive continued support and protection through the judicial process. One of the key modifications includes a provision that requires the court to issue a protective order for the lifetime of both the victim and the offender if the offender is convicted of or placed under community supervision for designated offenses and is mandated to register as a sex offender for life.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB1686 appears largely supportive, particularly among advocacy groups focused on victims' rights. Legislators have expressed approval for the automatic filing of protective orders, equating it with a proactive approach in safeguarding victims. However, some concern has been raised about the implications of mandatory protective orders on victims who may wish for autonomy over whether or not a protective order should be filed on their behalf, raising questions about balancing victim autonomy with the protective intent of the law.

Contention

Notable points of contention stem from the removal of the victim's agency in the process of filing protective orders. Though the law intends to safeguard victims comprehensively, the authoritarian approach of requiring state attorneys to act without victim consent in certain situations has raised alarms. Critics argue that victims should retain the ability to request or decline protective orders, emphasizing the importance of agency in a victim's healing process. Nonetheless, supporters argue that this automatic process is a necessary safeguard for vulnerable individuals who may be unable or unwilling to seek help themselves.