SRC-CDH S.B. 142 75(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 142
By: Harris
Health and Human Services
3-21-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, an individual is defined as "a human being who has been born
and is alive."  However, this definition provides no protection for a
fetus which dies before birth through the reckless, negligent, or
intentional behavior of a third party.  A 1994 Dallas case in which a
driver ran a red light and hit a pregnant woman in labor, causing the
child to be stillborn, has raised questions about the classification of a
fetus as a human being and the compensatory damages due in the case of
injury or death to a viable fetus.  In the Dallas case, the driver who hit
the woman's car received a ticket for failing to stop at a red light.
This legislation allows the mother and father of a viable fetus to claim
compensatory and exemplary damages against a person who causes the death
of a viable fetus through a wrongful or negligent act, and allows for
criminal penalties against a person who causes the death of a viable fetus
through operating a motor vehicle, watercraft, or aircraft while
intoxicated.  
PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 142 establishes liability and penalties for a  person's
wrongful or negligent act that causes the death of a viable fetus.   

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

ARTICLE 1.  CIVIL REMEDIES

SECTION 1.01.  Amends Title 4, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, by adding
Chapter 99, as follows: 

CHAPTER 99.  DEATH OF A VIABLE FETUS

Sec. 99.001. DEFINITIONS.  Defines "fetus" and "viable."

Sec. 99.002. CAUSE OF ACTION.  Provides that a person is liable for
damages for the person's wrongful or negligent act or omission that causes
a viable fetus not to be born alive. 

Sec. 99.003. PERSONS WHO MAY BRING ACTION.  Authorizes the natural mother
or father of the fetus to bring an action under this chapter. 

Sec. 99.004. DAMAGES.  Authorizes a court, in an action under this
chapter, to award compensatory damages, including damages for mental
anguish and loss of companionship and society, medical expenses, and
exemplary damages under Chapter 41. 

Sec. 99.005. CERTAIN CONDUCT EXCLUDED.  Provides that Section 99.002 does
not apply to a wrongful or negligent act or omission of the mother of the
fetus; a medical procedure performed by a physician or other licensed
health care provider at the request of the mother of the fetus or the
mother's legal guardian; or the dispensation or administration of a drug
prescribed in accordance with law. 

 SECTION 1.02.  Makes application of this Act prospective.

ARTICLE 2.  CRIMINAL PENALTIES  

SECTION 2.01.  Amends Section 1.07(a)(26), Penal Code, to make a
conforming change. 

SECTION 2.02.  Amends Section 19.01, Penal Code, by adding Subsection (c),
to define "fetus," "individual," and "viable."  

SECTION 2.03.  Amends Chapter 19, Penal Code, by adding Section 19.06, to
provide that it is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this
chapter for the death of a fetus that the conduct charged is an act of the
mother of the fetus; a medical procedure performed by a physician or other
licensed health care provider at the request of the mother of the fetus or
the mother's legal guardian; or the dispensation or administration of a
drug prescribed in accordance with law.  

SECTION 2.04.  Amends Section 49.08, Penal Code, by amending Subsection
(a) and adding Subsection (c), to define "fetus," "individual," and
"viable."  Makes a nonsubstantive change.   

SECTION 2.05.  Makes application of this Act prospective.

ARTICLE 3.  EFFECTIVE DATE; EMERGENCY

SECTION 3.01.  Effective date:  September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3.02.  Emergency clause.