Texas House Bill HB369

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the statute of limitations for aggravated assaults involving communicable diseases.

Impact

By modifying the legal framework surrounding the prosecution of aggravated assaults that involve communicable diseases, HB 369 will notably affect how cases are handled within the criminal justice system. The bill seeks to ensure that there is a clear and defined period for which victims can bring forward charges. The intention behind this is to enhance victim rights and support public health measures by imposing legal repercussions on those who engage in violent acts while jeopardizing their victims' health.

Summary

House Bill 369 seeks to amend the statute of limitations for aggravated assaults that involve communicable diseases. Under this bill, the statute of limitations for such offenses will be articulated more precisely, moving towards establishing firmer timelines in which charges can be brought. Specifically, this legislation outlines a five-year window for prosecution if the aggravated assault is committed under circumstances wherein the assailant possesses a communicable disease and transmits it to the victim. This significant amendment aims to address growing concerns related to public health and criminal accountability.

Contention

Despite the bill's intention to improve public health safety and enhance legal recourse, there may be points of contention among lawmakers and public health advocates. Critics may argue that this could create challenges in prosecuting such cases due to the complexities involved in proving the transmission of a communicable disease during an aggravated assault. Further, there might be concerns regarding how this bill interacts with existing laws and whether it adequately protects the rights of victims or disproportionately impacts individuals with communicable diseases.