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


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 519
By: Gallego
Criminal Jurisprudence
3/4/2001
Introduced



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, the term "domestic
violence" is not defined under current statutes and may exclude certain
individuals who could benefit from assistance with relocation costs.  House
Bill 519 establishes a definition of "family violence" that enables 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 authorize a victim
of family violence or sexual assault to receive a onetime-only assistance
payment as compensation for pecuniary loss for relocation and housing
rental expenses.  The bill defines "family violence" as an act taken by a
person against a member of the person's immediate family or household that
is intended to result in personal injury or that places the member of the
person's immediate family or household in fear of imminent personal injury.
The bill provides that the term includes an assault or sexual assault, but
it does not include an act taken in selfdefense. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.