AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
S.B. 129 expands the number of locations where a victim of domestic violence can file an application for a protective order by allowing a victim to file an application for a protective order in the county where the domestic violence offense occurred.
Currently, applications for protective orders can only be filed in the county in which the victim resides or the county in which the alleged offender resides. Giving a victim more options for filing could protect a victim by not exposing the county to which the victim may have moved.
S.B. 129 amends current law relating to proper venue for filing an application for a protective order against family violence.
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 82.003, Family Code, to authorize an application for a protective order against family violence to be filed in any county in which the family violence is alleged to have occurred.
SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.
SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2013.