BILL ANALYSIS
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Although the most notorious cases of abuse have been at the West Texas facility of the Texas Youth Commission (TYC), the rape, abuse, and mistreatment of inmates at facilities across the state has been prevalent for many years. The abuse of many of these inmates and the lack of care and attention they received afterwards has recently come to lawmakers' attention. As of today, there is no indication that these victims of sexual assault have had any access to rape crisis counseling or to any advocacy and support groups who may provide information, support, and other services.
This bill addresses the immediate need for post-traumatic care for these sexual assault victims by adding access to advocacy and support groups to the list of individuals, groups, and organizations whom the commission shall allow in TYC facilities.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
This bill amends the Human Resources Code to require the Texas Youth Commission (commission) to allow advocacy and support groups for victims of sexual assault to provide information, support, and other services for children confined in commission facilities.
EFFECTIVE DATE
Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2007.