Texas House Bill HB1140

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the statute of limitations for the offense of abandoning or endangering a child.

Impact

By tightening the statute of limitations for child endangerment and abandonment cases, HB 1140 aims to enhance the legal mechanisms available for prosecuting these offenses. The amendment is designed to ensure that prosecutions can occur without unnecessary delays, potentially leading to better outcomes for victims. This legislative change reflects a growing commitment to protecting children from harm and ensuring that those who abandon or endanger minors are held accountable in a timely manner, thereby reinforcing state laws related to child protection.

Summary

House Bill 1140 addresses the statute of limitations for the offense of abandoning or endangering a child by amending Article 12.01 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The bill seeks to establish a clearer framework for the prosecution of such offenses, placing them under a specified time limit for indictment. Specifically, the bill proposes that such felonies will have a limitation period that aligns them more closely with other serious offenses, emphasizing the importance of timely justice in cases concerning child welfare.

Contention

The bill may face debate concerning its implications for existing legal standards and practices related to child welfare. Advocates for the bill argue it is essential for safeguarding children, while critics may express concerns regarding the effectiveness and practical enforcement of the new timelines. Some may argue that changing the statute of limitations could complicate cases where evidence may not emerge until many years after an incident occurs. As such, the balance between ensuring accountability and providing a fair legal process remains a point of contention in discussions surrounding this bill.