BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 2670
	By: Howard et al. (Zaffirini)
	Criminal Justice
	5/12/2023
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The Sexual Assault Survivors' Task Force (SASTF) in the Office of the Governor was created by the 86th Legislature on a temporary basis with the intent to establish a survivor-centered, trauma-informed, collaborative, and coordinated response to sexual violence experienced by adults and children in Texas. Through SASTF's work, Texas now leads the nation through a survivor-centered, trauma-informed response to sexual violence, where adult and child survivors are heard, believed, and supported; where offenders are held accountable; and where all system partners work collaboratively to transform the state's response to sexual violence. Recognizing the value SASTF brings to the state, H.B. 2670 would make the task force permanent while also addressing other administrative matters relating to SASTF.

H.B. 2670 amends current law relating to the composition of the Sexual Assault Survivors' Task Force and to compensation for task force members and certain other task force participants.

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 772.0064, Government Code, by amending Subsection (d) and adding Subsections (n) and (o), as follows:

(d) Provides that the Sexual Assault Survivor's Task Force (task force) is composed of certain members, including:

(1) makes no change to this subdivision;

(2) a representative of each state agency that has duties relating to the prevention, investigation, or prosecution of sexual assault or other sex offenses or provides services to survivors, including the Department of Family and Protective Services;

(3)-(7) makes no changes to these subdivisions;

(8)-(12) redesignates Subdivision (9)-(13) as Subdivisions (8)-(12);

(13) an adult survivor of child sexual abuse or the parent or guardian of a survivor of child sexual abuse;

(14) a survivor of adult sexual assault; and

(15) redesignates existing Subdivision (14) as Subdivision (15).

Deletes existing text providing that the task force includes the president of the Texas Society of Pathologists or the president's designee.

(n) Entitles a task force member who is not employed by a state agency or an individual invited by the governor to participate in scheduled task force meetings to:

(1) a per diem in the amount provided by the General Appropriations Act for each day the member performs duties as a task force member or the individual attends a task force meeting; and

(2) reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses incurred in performing duties as a member or participant of the task force, as applicable.

(o) Provides that Chapter 2110 (State Agency Advisory Committees) does not apply to the composition or duration of the task force or to the designation of the task force's presiding officer.

SECTION 2. Repealer: Section 772.0064(m) (relating to providing that Section 772.0064 (Sexual Assault Survivor's Task Force) expires September 1, 2023), Government Code,

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2023.