BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                          S.B. 45

80R982 KEL-D                                                                                                                By: Nelson

Criminal Justice

4/28/2007

As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Strangulation is highly correlated with an increased risk of lethality in domestic violence cases.  However, in many parts of Texas, penalties associated with strangulation do not reflect the seriousness of the offense.  First time offenders of all types of domestic violence are punishable the same unless they cause "serious bodily injury."

As proposed, S.B. 45 redefines "serious bodily injury" to include strangulation.

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 Section 1.07(a)(45), Penal Code, to redefine "serious bodily injury."

SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3.  Effective date:  September 1, 2007.