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By: Wise H.B. No. 62
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the use of visual aids in the prosecution of certain
offenses committed against or witnessed by a child.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 38, Code of Criminal Procedure, is
amended by adding Article 38.073 to read as follows:
Art. 38.073. VISUAL AIDS. (a) This article applies to a
proceeding in the prosecution of an offense under any of the
following provisions of the Penal Code, if committed against or
witnessed by a child younger than 16 years of age:
(1) Chapter 21 (Sexual Offenses) or 22 (Assaultive
Offenses);
(2) Section 25.02 (Prohibited Sexual Conduct); or
(3) Section 43.25 (Sexual Performance by a Child).
(b) A judge may permit the use of an anatomically detailed
doll, mannequin, or drawing to assist a child younger than 16 years
of age in providing testimony in the prosecution of an offense
described by Subsection (a).
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.