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.