AEZ S.B. 48 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


CRIMINAL JURISPRUDENCE
S.B. 48
By: Shapiro (Keel)
5-14-97
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND 

Currently, Texas law regarding the confidentiality of identifying
information regarding sex offense victims, includes victims of sexual
assault and aggravated sexual assault, but does not include victims of
other sex crimes.  S.B. 48 would include victims of child pornography,
pedophilia, and other sex crimes in its definition of "victims," thereby
giving these persons the same protections in regards to confidentiality
under the law as victims of sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 48 redefines "victim" as a person who was the subject of
an offense the commission of which leads to a reportable conviction or
adjudication under Article 6252 13c.1, V.T.C.S. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or
institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Article 57.01(4), Code of Criminal Procedure, to
redefine "victim" as a person who was the subject of an offense the
commission of which leads to a reportable conviction or adjudication under
Article 6252-13c.1, V.T.C.S., rather than under Section 22.011 or Section
22.021, Penal Code.   

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.