HBA-SEP, EDN H.B. 519 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 519
By: Gallego
Criminal Jurisprudence
6/5/2001
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

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, prior to the 77th
Legislature, the term "domestic violence" was not defined under state law
and may have excluded certain individuals who could have benefitted from
assistance with relocation costs.  House Bill 519 replaces the term
"domestic violence" with "family violence" and establishes a definition
that enables certain victims of sexual assault to qualify for compensation.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 519 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to replace the term
"domestic violence" with "family violence" and to establish a definition
that enables victims of sexual assault who are assaulted in their place of
residence to receive a onetime-only assistance payment as compensation for
pecuniary loss for relocation and housing rental expenses. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.