The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice convened to address critical issues surrounding victim protection and human trafficking legislation. The meeting opened with the chair, Senator Flores, emphasizing the importance of enhancing Texas laws to protect victims of sexual assault and trafficking. Key bills on the agenda included SB955 and SB957, which aim to strengthen legal repercussions against traffickers and provide support for survivors. Notably, the committee heard testimony from various stakeholders, including law enforcement officials and advocates, who underscored the challenges faced by trafficking victims and the necessity of legislative reform.
Relating to the admissibility of evidence regarding a victim's past sexual behavior in prosecutions of certain trafficking, sexual, or assaultive offenses.
Relating to the eligibility of certain victims of trafficking of persons or compelling prostitution for an order of nondisclosure of criminal history record information.
Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for the offense of criminal mischief involving impairment of a motor fuel pump or electric vehicle charging station.
Relating to changing the eligibility for community supervision of a person convicted of stalking and to the offense of improper contact with the person's victim.
Relating to the admissibility of certain hearsay statements in the adjudication of certain sexual or assaultive offenses committed against a child or a person with a disability.
Relating to rights of a victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim in certain criminal cases involving family violence, sexual or assaultive offenses, stalking, or a violation of a protective order or condition of bond.