SRC-JBJ H.B. 519 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 519
By: Gallego (Zaffirini)
Criminal Justice
3/27/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Under current Texas law, victims of domestic violence are eligible to file
a claim with the Texas crime victims' compensation fund to seek
compensation for certain costs incurred, including relocation costs.
However, the term "domestic violence" is not defined under certain statutes
and this omission may exclude certain persons who could benefit from
assistance with relocation costs. As proposed, H.B. 519 replaces the term
"domestic violence" with "family violence" and establishes a definition
that enables victims of sexual assault to qualify for compensation.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Article 56.32(a)(9), Code of Criminal Procedure, to
redefine "pecuniary loss." 

SECTION 2.  Amends Article 56.32(a), Code of Criminal Procedure, by adding
Subdivision (12), to define "family violence." 

SECTION 3.  Amends Article 56.42(d), Code of Criminal Procedures, to
authorize a victim who is a victim of family, rather than domestic,
violence or a victim of sexual assault who is assaulted in the victim's
place of residence to receive a onetime-only assistance payment in an
amount not to exceed certain dollar limits for certain purposes. 

SECTION 4.  Effective date: September 1, 2001.
            Makes application of this Act prospective.