Texas House Bill HB2344

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to evidence sufficient for the issuance of a stalking protective order.

Impact

The implications of this bill are significant as it seeks to clarify the legal standards for what constitutes evidence in stalking cases. By requiring explicit threats to be made in electronic communications, the bill may alter how courts view various forms of written communication. This change could have effects on both victims seeking protective orders and the judicial system handling these cases. The intent is to prevent baseless claims that could arise from ambiguous communications, thus protecting due process rights of the accused while also acknowledging the complexity of electronic interactions in the context of harassment.

Summary

House Bill 2344 aims to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure in Texas concerning the issuance of stalking protective orders. The new provision states that for a court to establish reasonable grounds for believing an applicant is a victim of stalking, it cannot solely rely on the content of any electronic communications. This restriction ensures that only electronic communications that contain explicit threats of harm to the applicant, their household, or property will be considered as evidence for stalking, thereby potentially tightening the criteria under which protective orders can be issued.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding this bill. Advocates for the bill argue it safeguards individuals from unnecessary legal actions based on vague electronic messages that do not present clear threats. However, opponents fear this could hinder genuine victims from obtaining protective orders if their circumstances rely on nuanced electronic communications that do not explicitly threaten harm. Critics may express concern that such a requirement could make it more difficult for individuals in precarious or controlling relationships to seek timely legal protection, thus creating potential gaps in victim support.