SRC-JBJ H.B. 656 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 656
77R2671 GWK-FBy: Goolsby (Wentworth)
Criminal Justice
3/20/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Only a small percentage of sexual assaults are reported each year. In many
cases, the statute of limitations for a sexual assault expires before a
person reports the crime. Recent advancements in DNA technology have made
it possible to solve older cases of sexual offenses. As proposed, H.B. 656
amends provisions pertaining to the statute of limitations on certain
sexual offenses.  

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 12.01, Code of Criminal Procedures, to provide
that there is no limitation to the time in which a felony indictment for
sexual assault may be brought, if during the investigation of the offense
certain material is collected and subjected to DNA testing, with certain
results.  Provides that the limit to the time in which a felony indictment
may be brought in other sexual assaults is ten years from the date of the
commission of the offense.  Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2001.
            Makes application of this Act prospective.