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.