Enrolled Bill Summary

Senate Bill 1192	Senate Author:  Davis
Effective:  9-1-13	House Sponsor:  Thompson, Senfronia

            Senate Bill 1192 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure and Family Code to entitle a sexual assault victim or the victim's guardian or a close relative of a deceased sexual assault victim to the right, if requested, to information regarding any evidence that was collected during the investigation of the offense, unless the disclosure would interfere with the investigation or prosecution, and information regarding the status of any evidence analysis.  The bill also entitles such a person to the right, if requested, to be notified when a request is submitted to a crime laboratory to process and analyze evidence, when a request is submitted to compare any biological evidence collected during the investigation with DNA profiles maintained in a state or federal DNA database, and of the results of the comparison, unless disclosing the results would interfere with the investigation or prosecution. The bill requires a victim, guardian, or relative who requests such notice to provide contact information to and update any change in that information with the attorney representing the state and the law enforcement agency investigating the offense and authorizes the victim, guardian, or relative to designate a person to receive the requested notice.  The bill clarifies the sexual assault offenses to which certain crime victims' rights apply and establishes that a law enforcement agency, prosecutor, or other participant in the criminal justice system is not required to use a victim impact statement form that complies with the bill's requirements until January 1, 2014.