Relating to sexual assault and other sex offenses.
Impact
One of the key impacts of HB 3074 is the introduction of minimum training requirements for employees at health care facilities regarding sexual assault response. Every emergency department must now provide training focused on trauma-informed care and the specific rights of sexual assault survivors. In addition, the bill mandates the development of standard information forms that supply critical support information to victims, helping them navigate their rights and the available services effectively.
Summary
House Bill 3074 seeks to enhance responses to sexual assault and improve the protection of victims within the Texas criminal justice system. The bill introduces a range of amendments aimed at expanding the rights of victims and mandates specific procedures for handling cases of sexual assault. It places a strong emphasis on the rights of victims, including better communication regarding their case progress with law enforcement, judicial notification, and health services, thereby ensuring they receive appropriate care and support during legal proceedings.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB 3074 revolve around the adequacy of resources allocated for its implementation, particularly in rural areas where healthcare services may already be stretched. There are concerns over the financial burden this may impose on smaller facilities which might struggle to meet the new training standards. Additionally, while the bill enhances victim rights and protections, some advocacy groups argue that the law needs to address the systematic issues within law enforcement and the judicial system to ensure a comprehensive response to sexual assault cases.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Code Of Criminal Procedure
Chapter 56a. Rights Of Crime Victims
Section: New Section
Health And Safety Code
Chapter 323. Emergency Services And Forensic Examination Programs For Survivors Of Sexual Assault
Section: New Section
Section: 0051
Section: 0052
Occupations Code
Chapter 204. Physician Assistants
Section: New Section
Chapter 156. Registration Of Physicians
Section: 057
Government Code
Chapter 420. Sexual Assault Prevention And Crisis Services
Relating to the rights of victims of sexual assault and to certain procedures and reimbursements occurring with respect to a sexual assault or other sex offense.
Relating to the rights of victims of sexual assault and to certain procedures and reimbursements occurring with respect to a sexual assault or other sex offense.
Relating to human trafficking, including the prosecution and punishment of compelling and solicitation of prostitution and other sexual or assaultive offenses; increasing a criminal penalty; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to human trafficking, including the prosecution and punishment of compelling and solicitation of prostitution and other sexual or assaultive offenses; increasing a criminal penalty; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the authority of a court to grant a commutation of punishment to certain individuals serving a term of imprisonment and to victims' rights regarding a motion to grant a commutation.
Relating to increasing the criminal penalties for certain repeat sex offenders and to the admissibility of evidence of certain extraneous offenses or acts in the prosecution of certain sexual and assaultive offenses.
Relating to the emergency services and care provided to victims of sexual assault and other sex offenses and to the processes associated with preserving and analyzing the evidence of those offenses.
Relating to the reporting of sexual assault and other sex offenses, to the emergency services and care provided to victims of those offenses, and to the processes associated with preserving and analyzing the evidence of those offenses.
Relating to the rights of victims of sexual assault and to certain procedures and reimbursements occurring with respect to a sexual assault or other sex offense.
Relating to the rights of victims of sexual assault and to certain procedures and reimbursements occurring with respect to a sexual assault or other sex offense.