Texas House Bill HB3824

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to an affirmative finding of family violence entered in the trial of certain offenses and to service of a notice of a temporary ex parte family violence protective order.

Impact

One significant impact of HB 3824 is that it establishes a new requirement for judges when they are dealing with offenses classified under Title 5 or pertinent sections of the Penal Code. If family violence is established in a case, judges will have to enter this affirmative finding into the judgment, which could influence future legal proceedings, including custody cases, domestic relations, and further criminal prosecutions. Additionally, a $100 fee payable to a family violence center will be imposed on defendants placed on community supervision for such offenses, directly supporting services that assist victims of family violence.

Summary

House Bill 3824 addresses the legal framework surrounding family violence in the context of criminal offenses. The bill amends the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Family Code to stipulate that if a court finds that an offense involves family violence, this must be explicitly recorded as an affirmative finding in the judgment. This change aims to enhance the legal recognition of family violence within the judicial system, thereby underscoring the seriousness of such crimes and ensuring that offenders are held accountable within the broader context of family law.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 3824 is generally favorable, particularly among advocates for victims of family violence and organizations dedicated to fighting domestic violence. Supporters view the bill as a necessary step to strengthen the legal provisions that protect victims and address the serious implications of family violence in legal proceedings. However, there may be some concerns regarding the implementation of fees and how they affect offenders' rehabilitation and financial situations. Nonetheless, the prevailing mood reflects a commitment to enhancing protections for vulnerable populations.

Contention

Noteworthy points of contention related to HB 3824 could arise from discussions about the balance between punitive measures for offenders and the support for victims. While proponents argue that affirmative findings will empower the judicial system to take family violence seriously, critics may raise concerns about the potential for increased sentencing or burdens on defendants who may already be in vulnerable financial situations. Furthermore, the specific language defining family violence and its implications in court settings may also be areas of debate during discussions surrounding the bill.