CN S.B. 170 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS
 
JUVENILE JUSTICE & FAMILY ISSUES
S.B. 170
BY: West (House Sponsor: Hodge)
5-1-97
Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND

Currently, the definition of "victim" in the Family Code is one who has
suffered sexual assault, kidnapping, aggravated robbery, bodily injury, or
death at the hands of a juvenile offender, or the owner or lessor of
property that is damaged or lost as a result of the conduct of a juvenile
offender. A victim of these juvenile crimes is entitled to certain rights
in the Family Code such as notification upon release and the right to be
informed of relevant court proceedings.  However, problems arise because
certain crimes committed by juveniles, such as indecency with a child, are
not included within the definition of "victim," precluding victims' claims
to these rights.  This legislation expands the definition of "victim" to
include any person that suffers a pecuniary loss, personal injury, or harm
resulting from the delinquent conduct of a juvenile. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 170 establishes the rights of a victim of a delinquent
child. 

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 Section 57.001(3), Family Code, to redefine "victim" as
a person who as the result of the delinquent conduct of a child suffers a
pecuniary loss or personal injury or harm. Deletes the provision defining
a "victim" as a person who is the victim of the delinquent conduct of a
child that includes the elements under the penal law of this state of
sexual assault, kidnapping, or aggravated robbery; has suffered bodily
injury or death as a result of the conduct of a child that violates a
penal law of this state; or is the owner or lessor of property damaged or
lost as a result of the conduct of a child that violates a penal law of
this state. 

SECTION 2.   Emergency clause.
          Effective date: 90 days after adjournment.