SRC-SLL H.B. 3255 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 3255
By: Gallego (Carona)
Criminal Justice
5/11/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, the Crime Victims' Compensation Act does not permit victims of
domestic violence to file claims seeking compensation from the compensation
to victims of crime fund for reimbursement of relocation and housing rental
expenses.  Frequently, such victims have no recourse when they attempt to
relocate in order to escape further violence.  H.B. 3255 permits a victim
of domestic violence to file a claim on the compensation to victims of
crime fund to seek compensation for costs incurred for relocation and
housing rental expenses.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 3255 permits a victim of domestic violence to file a
claim on the compensation to victims of crime fund to seek compensation for
costs incurred for relocation and housing rental expenses.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Article 56.32(9), Code of Criminal Procedure, to
redefine "pecuniary loss" to include the amount of expense reasonably and
necessarily incurred as a result of personal injury or death for reasonable
and necessary costs, as provided by Article 56.42(d), incurred by a victim
of domestic violence for relocation and housing rental assistance payments. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Article 56.42, Code of Criminal Procedure, by adding
Subsection (d), to authorize a victim of domestic violence to receive a
one-time only assistance payment in a certain amount.  

SECTION 3.  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 4.  Emergency clause.
            Effective date: upon passage.