BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 487 89R2333 MZM-D By: Alvarado Criminal Justice 3/11/2025 As Filed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Victims of stalking, invasive visual recording, and indecent assault face ongoing risks of harassment, retaliation, and emotional distress if their identifying information is made public. Current Texas law provides confidentiality protections for victims of stalking, shielding their personal information from public disclosure in legal proceedings. However, victims of invasive visual recording and indecent assault do not currently receive the same privacy protections, despite facing similar threats to their safety and well-being. Under the Code of Criminal Procedure, confidentiality protections apply to victims of stalking. This means that personal identifying information of stalking victimssuch as names, addresses, and contact detailsis not subject to public disclosure in certain legal proceedings. However, victims of invasive visual recording and indecent assault currently do not receive the same confidentiality protections, leaving them more vulnerable to public exposure and further victimization. S.B. 487 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to extend confidentiality protections to victims of invasive visual recording and indecent assault. The bill will extend the definition of "victim" under Article 58.151 to include individuals subjected to invasive visual recording and indecent assault, in addition to stalking victims. Identifying information of victims of these offenses remains confidential and protected in legal proceedings, reducing the risk of further harassment or harm. This bill is supported by multiple district attorneys' offices and has no recorded opposition. As proposed, S.B. 487 amends current law relating to the confidentiality of identifying information of victims of certain offenses. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends the heading to Subchapter D, Chapter 58, Code of Criminal Procedure, to read as follows: SUBCHAPTER D. CONFIDENTIALITY OF IDENTIFYING INFORMATION OF VICTIMS OF STALKING, INVASIVE VISUAL RECORDING, OR INDECENT ASSAULT SECTION 2. Amends Article 58.151, Code of Criminal Procedure, to redefine "victim." SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2025.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 487
89R2333 MZM-D By: Alvarado
Criminal Justice
3/11/2025
As Filed
Senate Research Center
S.B. 487
89R2333 MZM-D
By: Alvarado
Criminal Justice
3/11/2025
As Filed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Victims of stalking, invasive visual recording, and indecent assault face ongoing risks of harassment, retaliation, and emotional distress if their identifying information is made public. Current Texas law provides confidentiality protections for victims of stalking, shielding their personal information from public disclosure in legal proceedings. However, victims of invasive visual recording and indecent assault do not currently receive the same privacy protections, despite facing similar threats to their safety and well-being. Under the Code of Criminal Procedure, confidentiality protections apply to victims of stalking. This means that personal identifying information of stalking victimssuch as names, addresses, and contact detailsis not subject to public disclosure in certain legal proceedings. However, victims of invasive visual recording and indecent assault currently do not receive the same confidentiality protections, leaving them more vulnerable to public exposure and further victimization. S.B. 487 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to extend confidentiality protections to victims of invasive visual recording and indecent assault. The bill will extend the definition of "victim" under Article 58.151 to include individuals subjected to invasive visual recording and indecent assault, in addition to stalking victims. Identifying information of victims of these offenses remains confidential and protected in legal proceedings, reducing the risk of further harassment or harm. This bill is supported by multiple district attorneys' offices and has no recorded opposition.
As proposed, S.B. 487 amends current law relating to the confidentiality of identifying information of victims of certain offenses.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends the heading to Subchapter D, Chapter 58, Code of Criminal Procedure, to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER D. CONFIDENTIALITY OF IDENTIFYING INFORMATION OF VICTIMS OF STALKING, INVASIVE VISUAL RECORDING, OR INDECENT ASSAULT
SECTION 2. Amends Article 58.151, Code of Criminal Procedure, to redefine "victim."
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2025.