S.B. No. 1179

AN ACT

relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 20.02(c), Penal Code, is amended to read as follows:

(c) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor, except that the offense is:

(1) a state jail felony if the person restrained was a child younger than 17 years of age;

(2) a felony of the third degree if:

(A) the actor recklessly exposes the victim to a substantial risk of serious bodily injury;

(B) the actor restrains an individual the actor knows is a public servant while the public servant is lawfully discharging an official duty or in retaliation or on account of an exercise of official power or performance of an official duty as a public servant; or

(C) the actor, while in custody or committed to a civil commitment facility, restrains any other person; or

(3) notwithstanding Subdivision (2)(B), a felony of the second degree if the actor restrains an individual the actor knows is a peace officer or judge while the officer or judge is lawfully discharging an official duty or in retaliation or on account of an exercise of official power or performance of an official duty as a peace officer or judge.

SECTION 2. Section 21.07(b), Penal Code, is amended to read as follows:

(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor, except that the offense is a felony of the third degree if the actor is civilly committed as a sexually violent predator under Chapter 841, Health and Safety Code.

SECTION 3. Section 21.08(b), Penal Code, is amended to read as follows:

(b) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor, except that the offense is a felony of the third degree if the actor is civilly committed as a sexually violent predator under Chapter 841, Health and Safety Code.

SECTION 4. Section 22.01(b-1), Penal Code, is amended to read as follows:

(b-1) Notwithstanding Subsections [Subsection] (b) and (c), an offense under Subsection (a) [(a)(1)] is a felony of the third degree if the offense is committed:

(1) by an [while the] actor who is committed to a civil commitment facility; and

(2) against:

(A) a person the actor knows is an officer or employee of the Texas Civil Commitment Office:

(i) while the officer or employee is lawfully discharging an official duty [at a civil commitment facility]; or

(ii) in retaliation for or on account of an exercise of official power or performance of an official duty by the officer or employee; or

(B) a person the actor knows is contracting [who contracts] with the state to perform a service in a civil commitment facility or an employee of that person:

(i) while the person or employee is engaged in performing a service within the scope of the contract[, if the actor knows the person or employee is authorized by the state to provide the service]; or

(ii) in retaliation for or on account of the person's or employee's performance of a service within the scope of the contract.

SECTION 5. Section 38.11, Penal Code, is amended by amending Subsections (a), (d), and (k) and adding Subsection (j-1) to read as follows:

(a) A person commits an offense if the person provides, or possesses with the intent to provide:

(1) an alcoholic beverage, controlled substance, or dangerous drug to a person in the custody of a correctional facility or residing in a civil commitment facility, except on the prescription of a practitioner;

(2) a deadly weapon to a person in the custody of a correctional facility or residing in a civil commitment facility;

(3) a cellular telephone or other wireless communications device or a component of one of those devices to a person in the custody of a correctional facility;

(4) money to a person confined in a correctional facility; or

(5) a cigarette or tobacco product to a person confined in a correctional facility, except that if the facility is a local jail regulated by the Commission on Jail Standards, the person commits an offense only if providing the cigarette or tobacco product violates a rule or regulation adopted by the sheriff or jail administrator that:

(A) prohibits the possession of a cigarette or tobacco product by a person confined in the jail; or

(B) places restrictions on:

(i) the possession of a cigarette or tobacco product by a person confined in the jail; or

(ii) the manner in which a cigarette or tobacco product may be provided to a person confined in the jail.

(d) A person commits an offense if the person:

(1) possesses an alcoholic beverage, [a] controlled substance, or dangerous drug while in a correctional facility or civil commitment facility or on property owned, used, or controlled by a correctional facility or civil commitment facility; or

(2) possesses a deadly weapon while in a correctional facility or civil commitment facility.

(j-1) A person commits an offense if the person, while residing in a civil commitment facility, possesses a cellular telephone or other wireless communications device or a component of one of those devices unless the device or component is authorized by the Texas Civil Commitment Office.

(k) A person commits an offense if, with the intent to provide to or make a cellular telephone or other wireless communications device or a component of one of those devices available for use by a person in the custody of a correctional facility or residing in a civil commitment facility, the person:

(1) acquires a cellular telephone or other wireless communications device or a component of one of those devices to be delivered to the person in custody or residing in the facility;

(2) provides a cellular telephone or other wireless communications device or a component of one of those devices to another person for delivery to the person in custody or residing in the facility; or

(3) makes a payment to a communication common carrier, as defined by Article 18A.001, Code of Criminal Procedure, or to any communication service that provides to its users the ability to send or receive wire or electronic communications.

SECTION 6. Chapter 39, Penal Code, is amended by adding Section 39.041 to read as follows:

Sec. 39.041. IMPROPER SEXUAL ACTIVITY WITH COMMITTED PERSON. (a) In this section, "deviate sexual intercourse," "sexual contact," and "sexual intercourse" have the meanings assigned by Section 21.01.

(b) An officer or employee of the Texas Civil Commitment Office, a person who contracts with this state to perform a service in a civil commitment facility or an employee of that person, or a volunteer at a civil commitment facility commits an offense if the person intentionally engages in deviate sexual intercourse, sexual contact, or sexual intercourse with a person committed to a civil commitment facility.

(c) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.

(d) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that, at the time of the offense, the actor was the spouse of the person committed to the civil commitment facility.

(e) If conduct that constitutes an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under any other law, the actor may be prosecuted under this section, the other law, or both.

SECTION 7. Article 13.315, Code of Criminal Procedure, is amended to read as follows:

Art. 13.315. FELONY OFFENSE COMMITTED BY CIVILLY COMMITTED [FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH] SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATOR [CIVIL COMMITMENT REQUIREMENT]. A felony [An] offense committed by a person civilly committed under Chapter 841 [Section 841.085], Health and Safety Code, may be prosecuted in the county in which any element of the offense occurs or in the court that retains jurisdiction over the civil commitment proceeding under Section 841.082, Health and Safety Code.

SECTION 8. Article 62.005(j), Code of Criminal Procedure, is amended to read as follows:

(j) The department, for law enforcement purposes or for supervision and treatment purposes, shall release all relevant information described by Subsection (a), including information that is not public information under Subsection (b), to a peace officer, an employee of a local law enforcement authority, the Texas Civil Commitment Office, or the attorney general on the request of the applicable person or entity.

SECTION 9. Article 62.051, Code of Criminal Procedure, is amended by amending Subsections (b), (e), and (f) and adding Subsection (e-1) to read as follows:

(b) The department shall provide the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, the Texas Civil Commitment Office, and each local law enforcement authority, authority for campus security, county jail, and court with a form for registering persons required by this chapter to register.

(e) Not later than the third day after the registration of a person [a person's registering], the local law enforcement authority with whom the person is registered shall send a copy of the registration form to the department and, if the person resides on the campus of a public or private institution of higher education, to any authority for campus security for that institution.

(e-1) The Texas Civil Commitment Office shall register with the applicable local law enforcement authority on behalf of a person who is civilly committed as a sexually violent predator under Chapter 841, Health and Safety Code, and required to reside in a civil commitment center. A person for whom registration is completed under this subsection is not required to verify the registration until the person is authorized to reside outside of the civil commitment center.

(f) Not later than the seventh day after the date on which the person is released or, for a person who is civilly committed as a sexually violent predator under Chapter 841, Health and Safety Code, authorized to reside outside of the civil commitment center, a person for whom registration is completed under this chapter shall report to the applicable local law enforcement authority to verify the information in the registration form received by the authority under this chapter. The authority shall require the person to produce proof of the person's identity and residence before the authority gives the registration form to the person for verification. If the information in the registration form is complete and accurate, the person shall verify registration by signing the form. If the information is not complete or not accurate, the person shall make any necessary additions or corrections before signing the form.

SECTION 10. Subtitle A, Title 2, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, is amended by adding Chapter 14A to read as follows:

CHAPTER 14A. LITIGATION BY CIVILLY COMMITTED INDIVIDUAL

SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 14A.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:

(1) "Civilly committed individual" means a sexually violent predator as described by Section 841.003, Health and Safety Code, who has been committed to a facility operated by or under contract with the office.

(2) "Claim" means a cause of action governed by this chapter.

(3) "Office" means the Texas Civil Commitment Office.

(4) "Trust account" means a civilly committed individual's trust account administered by the office or by a facility under contract with the office.

(5) "Unsworn declaration" means a document executed in accordance with Chapter 132.

Sec. 14A.002. SCOPE OF CHAPTER. (a) This chapter applies only to an action, including an appeal or original proceeding, brought by a civilly committed individual in a district, county, or justice court or an appellate court, including the supreme court or the court of criminal appeals, in which an affidavit or unsworn declaration of inability to pay costs is filed by the civilly committed individual.

(b) This chapter does not apply to an action brought under the Family Code.

SUBCHAPTER B. DISMISSAL OF AND REQUIREMENTS FOR CLAIM

Sec. 14A.051. DISMISSAL OF FALSE, FRIVOLOUS, OR MALICIOUS CLAIM. (a) A court may dismiss a claim, either before or after service of process, if the court finds that:

(1) the allegation of poverty in the affidavit or unsworn declaration is false;

(2) the claim is frivolous or malicious; or

(3) the civilly committed individual filed an affidavit or unsworn declaration required by this chapter that the individual knew was false.

(b) In determining whether a claim is frivolous or malicious, the court may consider whether:

(1) the claim's realistic chance of ultimate success is slight;

(2) the claim has no arguable basis in law or in fact;

(3) it is clear that the civilly committed individual cannot prove the facts in support of the claim; or

(4) the claim is substantially similar to a previous claim filed by the civilly committed individual because the claim arises from the same operative facts.

(c) In determining whether Subsection (a) applies, the court may hold a hearing. The hearing may be held before or after service of process, and it may be held on motion of the court, a party, or the court clerk.

(d) On the filing of a motion under Subsection (c), the court shall suspend discovery relating to the claim pending the hearing.

(e) A court that dismisses a claim brought by a civilly committed individual housed in a facility operated by or under contract with the office may notify the office of the dismissal and, on the court's own motion or the motion of any party or the court clerk, may advise the office that a mental health evaluation of the individual may be appropriate.

Sec. 14A.052. AFFIDAVIT RELATING TO PREVIOUS FILINGS. (a) A civilly committed individual who files an affidavit or unsworn declaration of inability to pay costs shall file a separate affidavit or declaration:

(1) identifying the court that ordered the individual's civil commitment under Chapter 841, Health and Safety Code;

(2) indicating whether any cause of action or allegation contained in the petition has previously been filed in any other court, and if so, stating the cause of action or allegation previously filed and complying with Subdivision (6) and Subsection (b);

(3) identifying each action, other than an action under the Family Code, previously brought by the individual in which the individual was not represented by an attorney, without regard to whether the individual was civilly committed at the time the action was brought;

(4) certifying that all grievance processes applicable to the matter that is the basis of the claim, if any, have been exhausted;

(5) certifying that no court has found the individual to be a vexatious litigant under Chapter 11; and

(6) describing each action that was previously brought by:

(A) stating the operative facts for which relief was sought;

(B) listing the case name, the cause number, and the court in which the action was brought;

(C) identifying each party named in the action; and

(D) stating the result of the action, including whether the action or a claim that was a basis for the action was dismissed as frivolous or malicious under Section 13.001, 14.003, or 14A.051 or otherwise.

(b) If the affidavit or unsworn declaration filed under this section states that a previous action or claim was dismissed as frivolous or malicious, the affidavit or unsworn declaration must state the date of the final order affirming the dismissal.

(c) The affidavit or unsworn declaration must be accompanied by the certified copy of the trust account statement required by Section 14A.054(f).

Sec. 14A.053. GRIEVANCE SYSTEM DECISION; EXHAUSTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES. (a) A civilly committed individual who files a claim that is subject to a grievance system established by the office or a facility under contract with the office shall file with the court:

(1) an affidavit or unsworn declaration stating the date that the grievance was filed and the date the written decision was received by the individual; and

(2) a copy of the written decision from the grievance system.

(b) A court shall dismiss a claim if the civilly committed individual fails to file the claim before the 31st day after the date the individual receives the written decision from the grievance system.

(c) If a claim is filed before the grievance system procedure is complete, the court shall stay the proceeding with respect to the claim for a period not to exceed 180 days to permit completion of the grievance system procedure.

Sec. 14A.054. COURT FEES, COURT COSTS, OTHER COSTS. (a) A court may order a civilly committed individual who has filed a claim to pay court fees, court costs, and other costs in accordance with this section and Section 14A.055. The court clerk shall mail a copy of the court's order and a certified bill of costs to the office or facility under contract with the office, as appropriate.

(b) On the court's order, the civilly committed individual shall pay an amount equal to the lesser of:

(1) 20 percent of the preceding six months' deposits to the individual's trust account; or

(2) the total amount of court fees, court costs, and other costs.

(c) In each month following the month in which payment is made under Subsection (b), the civilly committed individual shall pay an amount equal to the lesser of:

(1) 10 percent of that month's deposits to the trust account; or

(2) the total amount of court fees, court costs, and other costs that remains unpaid.

(d) Payments under Subsection (c) shall continue until the total amount of court fees, court costs, and other costs are paid or until the civilly committed individual is released from confinement.

(e) On receipt of a copy of an order issued under Subsection (a), the office or facility under contract with the office shall withdraw money from the trust account in accordance with Subsections (b), (c), and (d). The office or facility shall hold the money in a separate account and shall forward the money to the court clerk on the earlier of the following dates:

(1) the date the total amount to be forwarded equals the total amount of court fees, court costs, and other costs that remains unpaid; or

(2) the date the civilly committed individual is released.

(f) The civilly committed individual shall file a certified copy of the individual's trust account statement with the court. The statement must reflect the balance of the account at the time the claim is filed and activity in the account during the six months preceding the date on which the claim is filed. The court may request the office to provide the information required under this subsection.

(g) A civilly committed individual may authorize payment in addition to that required by this section.

(h) The court may dismiss a claim if the civilly committed individual fails to pay fees and costs assessed under this section.

(i) A civilly committed individual may not avoid the fees and costs assessed under this section by nonsuiting a party or by voluntarily dismissing the action.

Sec. 14A.055. OTHER COSTS. (a) An order under Section 14A.054(a) must include the costs described by Subsection (b) if the court finds that:

(1) the civilly committed individual has previously filed an action to which this chapter or Chapter 14 applies; and

(2) a final order has been issued that affirms that the action was dismissed as frivolous or malicious under Section 13.001, 14.003, or 14A.051 or otherwise.

(b) If Subsection (a) applies, costs of court must include expenses incurred by the court or by the office or facility under contract with the office, in connection with the claim and not otherwise charged to the civilly committed individual under Section 14A.054, including:

(1) expenses of service of process;

(2) postage; and

(3) transportation, housing, or medical care incurred in connection with the appearance of the individual in the court for any proceeding.

Sec. 14A.056. HEARING. (a) The court may hold a hearing under this chapter at a facility operated by or under contract with the office or may conduct the hearing with video communications technology that permits the court to see and hear the civilly committed individual and that permits the individual to see and hear the court and any other witness.

(b) A hearing conducted under this section by video communications technology shall be recorded on videotape or by other electronic means. The recording is sufficient to serve as a permanent record of the hearing.

Sec. 14A.057. SUBMISSION OF EVIDENCE. (a) The court may request a person with an admissible document or admissible testimony relevant to the subject matter of the hearing to submit a copy of the document or written statement stating the substance of the testimony.

(b) A written statement submitted under this section must be made under oath or made as an unsworn declaration under Section 132.001.

(c) A copy of a document submitted under this section must be accompanied by a certification executed under oath by an appropriate custodian of the record stating that the copy is correct and any other matter relating to the admissibility of the document that the court requires.

(d) A person submitting a written statement or document under this section is not required to appear at the hearing.

(e) The court shall require that the civilly committed individual be provided with a copy of each written statement or document not later than the 14th day before the date on which the hearing is to begin.

Sec. 14A.058. DISMISSAL OF CLAIM. (a) The court may enter an order dismissing the entire claim or a portion of the claim under this chapter.

(b) If a portion of the claim is dismissed, the court shall designate the issues and defendants on which the claim may proceed, subject to Sections 14A.054 and 14A.055.

(c) An order under this section is not subject to interlocutory appeal by the civilly committed individual.

Sec. 14A.059. EFFECT ON OTHER CLAIMS. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), on receipt of an order assessing fees and costs under Section 14A.054 that indicates that the court made the finding described by Section 14A.055(a), a court clerk may not accept for filing another claim by the civilly committed individual until the fees and costs assessed under Section 14A.054 are paid.

(b) A court may allow a civilly committed individual who has not paid the fees and costs assessed against the individual to file a claim for injunctive relief seeking to enjoin an act or failure to act that creates a substantial threat of irreparable injury or serious physical harm to the individual.

Sec. 14A.060. QUESTIONNAIRE. To implement this chapter, a court may develop, for use in that court, a questionnaire to be filed by the civilly committed individual.

Sec. 14A.061. REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATION BY MAGISTRATES. (a) The supreme court shall, by rule, adopt a system under which a court may refer a suit governed by this chapter to a magistrate for review and recommendation.

(b) The system adopted under Subsection (a) may be funded from money appropriated to the supreme court or from money received by the supreme court through interagency contract or contracts.

(c) For the purposes of Section 14A.062, the adoption of a system by rule under Subsection (a) does not constitute a modification or repeal of a provision of this chapter.

Sec. 14A.062. CONFLICT WITH TEXAS RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE. Notwithstanding Section 22.004, Government Code, this chapter may not be modified or repealed by a rule adopted by the supreme court.

SECTION 11. Title 4, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, is amended by adding Chapter 78B to read as follows:

CHAPTER 78B. LIMITED LIABILITY FOR FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS CHECK

AT CIVIL COMMITMENT FACILITY

Sec. 78B.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:

(1) "First responder" means a law enforcement, fire protection, or emergency medical services employee, volunteer, or agency, including:

(A) a peace officer, as defined by Article 2.12, Code of Criminal Procedure;

(B) fire protection personnel, as defined by Section 419.021, Government Code;

(C) a volunteer firefighter who is:

(i) certified by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection or by the State Firefighters' and Fire Marshals' Association of Texas; or

(ii) a member of an organized volunteer firefighting unit that provides firefighting services without compensation and conducts a minimum of two drills each month, each two hours long;

(D) an individual certified as emergency medical services personnel by the Department of State Health Services; and

(E) an agency of this state or a political subdivision of this state authorized by law to employ or supervise personnel described by Paragraphs (A)-(D).

(2) "Wellness check" means a request by any person for a first responder to visit a civil commitment facility and determine the current condition of a sexually violent predator who is civilly committed under Chapter 841, Health and Safety Code.

Sec. 78B.002. CONSTRUCTION OF CHAPTER. This chapter may not be construed to prohibit a first responder from performing a wellness check.

Sec. 78B.003. LIMITED LIABILITY FOR REFUSAL TO PROVIDE WELLNESS CHECK. (a) A first responder is not required to perform a wellness check.

(b) A first responder is not liable for damages incurred from the first responder's refusal to perform a wellness check.

(c) A court shall immediately dismiss any action asserting a claim described by Subsection (b).

Sec. 78B.004. REFERRAL TO TEXAS CIVIL COMMITMENT OFFICE. A first responder may refer a person requesting a wellness check to the Texas Civil Commitment Office, which may provide the person with information regarding the current condition of the civilly committed sexually violent predator if authorized under federal and state law.

SECTION 12. Subchapter A, Chapter 411, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 411.0092 to read as follows:

Sec. 411.0092. PRIMARY JURISDICTION. The sex offender compliance unit described by Section 411.0091 has primary jurisdiction to investigate a felony offense committed by a sexually violent predator civilly committed under Chapter 841, Health and Safety Code.

SECTION 13. Section 420A.008, Government Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 420A.008. STAFF. The office may select and employ a general counsel, staff attorneys, a family liaison officer described by Section 420A.012, and other staff necessary to perform the office's functions.

SECTION 14. Chapter 420A, Government Code, is amended by adding Sections 420A.012 and 420A.013 to read as follows:

Sec. 420A.012. FAMILY LIAISON OFFICER. (a) The office may designate an employee to serve as a family liaison officer. The family liaison officer may, as the office determines appropriate:

(1) facilitate the continuation and maintenance of ties between a civilly committed sex offender and the offender's family members who are supportive of the offender's participation in the treatment and supervision program;

(2) notify an offender regarding emergencies concerning the offender's family and provide the offender with other necessary information related to the offender's family; and

(3) assist in resolving problems that may affect permitted contact with an offender.

(b) Before each required quarterly meeting of the board, a family liaison officer designated under this section may provide an update to the board regarding the officer's activities.

(c) This section does not:

(1) require the office to designate a family liaison officer; or

(2) guarantee to a civilly committed sex offender or family member of an offender any additional right or privilege that is not already required by state or federal law.

(d) In implementing this section, the office may adopt any policy or impose any limitation the office considers necessary.

Sec. 420A.013. FAMILY UNITY AND PARTICIPATION. (a) The office may adopt and implement policies that encourage family unity during a civilly committed sex offender's commitment. In adopting the policies, the office may consider the impact of a telephone, mail, and in-person visitation policy on a family member's ability to provide support to the offender through ongoing, appropriate contact with the offender while the offender participates in the treatment and supervision program.

(b) This section does not guarantee to a civilly committed sex offender or family member of an offender any additional right or privilege that is not already required by state or federal law.

(c) In implementing this section, the office may adopt any policy or impose any limitation the office considers necessary.

SECTION 15. Subchapter C, Chapter 552, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 552.1345 to read as follows:

Sec. 552.1345. EXCEPTION: CONFIDENTIALITY OF CERTAIN INFORMATION RELATING TO CIVILLY COMMITTED SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATORS. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), information obtained or maintained by the Texas Civil Commitment Office is excepted from the requirements of Section 552.021 if it is information about a person who is civilly committed as a sexually violent predator under Chapter 841, Health and Safety Code.

(b) Subsection (a) does not apply to statistical or other aggregated information relating to persons civilly committed to one or more facilities operated by or under a contract with the office.

SECTION 16. Subchapter I, Chapter 2001, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 2001.227 to read as follows:

Sec. 2001.227. TEXAS CIVIL COMMITMENT OFFICE. This chapter does not apply to a rule or internal procedure of the Texas Civil Commitment Office that applies to a person who is civilly committed as a sexually violent predator under Chapter 841, Health and Safety Code, or to an action taken under that rule or procedure.

SECTION 17. Section 2155.144(a), Government Code, is amended to read as follows:

(a) This section applies only to the Health and Human Services Commission, each health and human services agency, [and] the Department of Family and Protective Services, and agencies administratively attached to the Health and Human Services Commission. For the purposes of this section, the Department of Family and Protective Services or an agency administratively attached to the Health and Human Services Commission is considered a health and human services agency.

SECTION 18. Section 109.051(b), Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:

(b) Notwithstanding Subtitle B, Title 3, of this code or Chapter 611, Health and Safety Code, a person described by Subsection (a), on request or in the normal course of business, shall release information concerning the treatment of a sex offender to:

(1) another person described by Subsection (a);

(2) a criminal justice agency; [or]

(3) a local law enforcement authority; or

(4) the Texas Civil Commitment Office.

SECTION 19. Section 109.052, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 109.052. RELEASE BY CRIMINAL JUSTICE AGENCY. A criminal justice agency, on request or in the normal course of official business, shall release information concerning the treatment of a sex offender to:

(1) another criminal justice agency;

(2) a local law enforcement authority; [or]

(3) a person described by Section 109.051(a); or

(4) the Texas Civil Commitment Office.

SECTION 20. Section 109.053, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 109.053. RELEASE BY LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY. A local law enforcement authority, on request or in the normal course of official business, shall release information concerning the treatment of a sex offender to:

(1) another local law enforcement authority;

(2) a criminal justice agency; [or]

(3) a person described by Section 109.051(a); or

(4) the Texas Civil Commitment Office.

SECTION 21. Sections 841.002(1) and (8), Health and Safety Code, are amended to read as follows:

(1) "Attorney representing the state" means a district attorney, criminal district attorney, or county attorney with felony criminal jurisdiction who represents the state in a [civil commitment] proceeding under this chapter.

(8) "Sexually violent offense" means:

(A) an offense under Section 21.02, 21.11(a)(1), 22.011, or 22.021, Penal Code;

(B) an offense under Section 20.04(a)(4), Penal Code, if the person committed the offense with the intent to violate or abuse the victim sexually;

(C) an offense under Section 30.02, Penal Code, if the offense is punishable under Subsection (d) of that section and the person entered the habitation [committed the offense] with the intent to commit an offense listed in Paragraph (A) or (B) or committed or attempted to commit an offense listed in Paragraph (A) or (B);

(D) an offense under Section 19.02 or 19.03, Penal Code, that, during the guilt or innocence phase or the punishment phase for the offense, during the adjudication or disposition of delinquent conduct constituting the offense, or subsequently during a civil commitment proceeding under Subchapter D, is determined beyond a reasonable doubt to have been based on sexually motivated conduct;

(E) an attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation, as defined by Chapter 15, Penal Code, to commit an offense listed in Paragraph (A), (B), (C), or (D);

(F) an offense under prior state law that contains elements substantially similar to the elements of an offense listed in Paragraph (A), (B), (C), (D), or (E); or

(G) an offense under the law of another state, federal law, or the Uniform Code of Military Justice that contains elements substantially similar to the elements of an offense listed in Paragraph (A), (B), (C), (D), or (E).

SECTION 22. Section 841.042, Health and Safety Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 841.042. ASSISTANCE FROM SPECIAL PROSECUTION UNIT. On request of the attorney representing the state, the special prosecution unit shall provide legal, financial, and technical assistance to the attorney for a [civil commitment] proceeding conducted under this chapter.

SECTION 23. Section 841.0834, Health and Safety Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 841.0834. MOVEMENT BETWEEN PROGRAMMING TIERS. (a) The office shall transfer between programming tiers a committed person required to reside in a total confinement facility [to less restrictive housing and supervision] if the transfer is in the best interests of the person and conditions can be imposed that adequately protect the community.

(b) Without the office's approval, a committed person may file a petition with the court for transfer to the next less restrictive tier [housing and supervision]. The court shall deny the transfer if the petition is filed before the 180th day after the date an order was entered under Subchapter D, F, or G or a previous order was entered under this section. The court shall grant the transfer if the court determines by clear and convincing evidence that the transfer is in the best interests of the person and that the office can impose conditions [can be imposed] that adequately protect the community.

(c) A committed person who files a petition under Subsection (b) [this subsection] shall serve a copy of the petition on the office and the attorney representing the state.

(d) [(c)] The office shall transfer [return] a committed person who is not required to reside in a total confinement facility back [has been transferred to less restrictive housing and supervision] to a more restrictive setting in a total confinement facility if the office considers the transfer necessary to further treatment and to protect the community. The decision to transfer the person must be based on the person's behavior or progress in treatment.

(e) [(d)] Not later than the 90th day after the date a committed person is returned to a more restrictive setting in a total confinement facility under Subsection (d) [(c)], the committing court shall hold a hearing via videoconference to review the office's determination. The court shall order the office to transfer the person to a less restrictive tier [housing and supervision] only if the court determines by clear and convincing evidence that the office's determination was not made in accordance with Subsection (d) [(c)]. The committed person may waive the right to a hearing under this subsection.

SECTION 24. Section 841.0838, Health and Safety Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 841.0838. USE OF RESTRAINTS. (a) An employee of the office, or a person who contracts with the office or an employee of that person, may use mechanical [or chemical] restraints on a committed person residing in a civil commitment center or while transporting a committed person who resides at the center only if:

(1) the employee or person completes a training program approved by the office on the use of mechanical restraints that:

(A) includes instruction on the office's approved mechanical restraint techniques and devices and the office's verbal de-escalation policies, procedures, and practices; and

(B) requires the employee or person to demonstrate competency in the use of the mechanical restraint techniques and devices; and

(2) the mechanical restraint is:

(A) considered necessary to maintain the safety and security of the center or staff [used as a last resort];

(B) considered necessary to maintain the safety of the public [necessary to stop or prevent:

[(i) imminent physical injury to the committed person or another;

[(ii) threatening behavior by the committed person while the person is using or exhibiting a weapon;

[(iii) a disturbance by a group of committed persons; or

[(iv) an absconsion from the center]; and

(C) the least restrictive restraint necessary, used for the minimum duration necessary[, to prevent the injury, property damage, or absconsion].

(b) An employee of the office, or a person who contracts with the office or an employee of that person, may use chemical restraints on a committed person residing in a civil commitment center or while transporting a committed person who resides at the center only if:

(1) the employee or person completes a training program approved by the office on the use of chemical restraints that:

(A) includes instruction on the office's approved chemical restraint techniques and devices and the office's verbal de-escalation policies, procedures, and practices; and

(B) requires the employee or person to demonstrate competency in the use of chemical restraint techniques and devices; and

(2) the chemical restraint is:

(A) used as a last resort;

(B) necessary to prevent or stop:

(i) physical injury to the committed person or another;

(ii) threatening behavior by the committed person;

(iii) a disturbance by a group of committed persons; or

(iv) an absconsion from the center; and

(C) the least restrictive restraint necessary, used for the minimum duration necessary, to prevent injury, property damage, or absconsion.

(c) The office shall develop procedures governing the use of mechanical or chemical restraints on committed persons.

SECTION 25. Section 841.102(c), Health and Safety Code, is amended to read as follows:

(c) The judge shall set a hearing if the judge determines by a preponderance of the evidence at the biennial review that:

(1) a requirement imposed on the person under this chapter should be modified; or

(2) [probable cause exists to believe that] the person's behavioral abnormality has changed to the extent that the person is no longer likely to engage in a predatory act of sexual violence.

SECTION 26. Sections 841.123(a), (c), and (d), Health and Safety Code, are amended to read as follows:

(a) If the committed person files a petition for release without the office's authorization, the person shall serve the petition on the court, [and] the attorney representing the state, and the office.

(c) Except as provided by Subsection (d), the judge shall deny without a hearing a petition for release filed without the office's authorization if [the petition is frivolous or if]:

(1) the judge determines by a preponderance of the evidence that [petitioner previously filed without the office's authorization another petition for release; and

[(2) the judge determined on review of the previous petition or following a hearing that:

[(A) the petition was frivolous; or

[(B)] the petitioner's behavioral abnormality has [had] not changed to the extent that the petitioner is [was] no longer likely to engage in a predatory act of sexual violence; or

(2) the petitioner has filed the petition for release before the 180th day after the date an order was entered under Subchapter D or F or a previous order was entered under this section.

(d) The judge is not required to deny a petition under Subsection (c)(2) if the judge determines by a preponderance of the evidence [probable cause exists to believe] that the petitioner's behavioral abnormality has changed to the extent that the petitioner is no longer likely to engage in a predatory act of sexual violence.

SECTION 27. Chapter 841, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Subchapter I to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER I. ADMINISTRATION OF CERTAIN MEDICATION TO CERTAIN

SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATORS

Sec. 841.201. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:

(1) "Capacity" means a committed person's ability to:

(A) understand the nature and consequences of a proposed treatment, including the benefits, risks, and alternatives to the proposed treatment; and

(B) make a decision whether to undergo the proposed treatment.

(2) "Medication-related emergency" means a situation in which it is immediately necessary to administer medication to a committed person to prevent:

(A) imminent probable death or substantial bodily harm to the committed person because the committed person:

(i) overtly or continually is threatening or attempting to commit suicide or serious bodily harm; or

(ii) is behaving in a manner that indicates that the committed person is unable to satisfy the committed person's need for nourishment, essential medical care, or self-protection; or

(B) imminent physical or emotional harm to another because of threats, attempted acts, or acts the committed person overtly or continually makes or commits.

(3) "Psychoactive medication" has the meaning assigned by Section 574.101.

Sec. 841.202. ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION TO COMMITTED PERSON. A person may not administer a psychoactive medication to a committed person who refuses to take the medication voluntarily unless:

(1) the committed person is having a medication-related emergency; or

(2) the committed person is under an order issued under Section 841.205 authorizing the administration of medication regardless of the committed person's refusal.

Sec. 841.203. PHYSICIAN'S APPLICATION FOR ORDER TO AUTHORIZE PSYCHOACTIVE MEDICATION; DATE OF HEARING. (a) A physician who is treating a committed person may, on behalf of the state, file an application in a probate court or a court with probate jurisdiction for an order to authorize the administration of a psychoactive medication regardless of the committed person's refusal if:

(1) the physician believes that the committed person lacks the capacity to make a decision regarding the administration of the psychoactive medication;

(2) the physician determines that the medication is the proper course of treatment for the committed person;

(3) the committed person is receiving mental health services under Section 841.0835 or other law; and

(4) the committed person, verbally or by other indication, refuses to take the medication voluntarily.

(b) An application filed under this section must state:

(1) that the physician believes that the committed person lacks the capacity to make a decision regarding administration of the psychoactive medication and the reasons for that belief;

(2) each medication the physician wants the court to compel the committed person to take;

(3) whether the committed person is receiving mental health services under Section 841.0835 or other law;

(4) the physician's diagnosis of the committed person; and

(5) the proposed method for administering the medication and, if the method is not customary, an explanation justifying the departure from the customary methods.

(c) An application filed under this section is separate from an application for court-ordered mental health services.

(d) A hearing on the application must be held not later than the 30th day after the date the application was filed. If the committed person is transferred to a mental health facility in another county, the court may transfer the application to the county where the committed person has been transferred.

(e) Subject to the requirement in Subsection (d) that the hearing be held not later than the 30th day after the date the application was filed, the court may grant one continuance on a party's motion and for good cause shown. The court may grant more than one continuance only with the agreement of the parties.

Sec. 841.204. RIGHTS OF COMMITTED PERSON. A committed person for whom an application under Section 841.203 is filed is entitled to:

(1) representation by a court-appointed attorney who is knowledgeable about issues to be adjudicated at the hearing;

(2) meet with that attorney as soon as is practicable to prepare for the hearing and to discuss any of the committed person's questions or concerns;

(3) receive, immediately after the time of the hearing is set, a copy of the application and written notice of the time, place, and date of the hearing;

(4) be told, at the time personal notice of the hearing is given, of the committed person's right to a hearing and right to the assistance of an attorney to prepare for the hearing and to answer any questions or concerns;

(5) be present at the hearing;

(6) request from the court an independent expert; and

(7) be notified orally, at the conclusion of the hearing, of the court's determinations of the committed person's capacity and best interests.

Sec. 841.205. HEARING AND ORDER AUTHORIZING PSYCHOACTIVE MEDICATION. (a) The court may issue an order authorizing the administration of one or more classes of psychoactive medication to a committed person who is receiving mental health services under Section 841.0835 or other law.

(b) The court may issue an order under this section only if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence after a hearing that the committed person:

(1) lacks the capacity to make a decision regarding the administration of the proposed medication and treatment with the proposed medication is in the best interest of the committed person; or

(2) as determined under Section 841.206, presents a danger to the committed person or others in the civil commitment center in which the committed person is being treated.

(c) In making the finding that treatment with the proposed medication is in the best interest of the committed person, the court shall consider:

(1) the committed person's expressed preferences regarding treatment with psychoactive medication;

(2) the committed person's religious beliefs;

(3) the risks and benefits, from the perspective of the committed person, of taking psychoactive medication;

(4) the consequences to the committed person if the psychoactive medication is not administered;

(5) the prognosis for the committed person if the committed person is treated with psychoactive medication;

(6) alternative, less intrusive treatments that are likely to produce the same results as treatment with psychoactive medication; and

(7) less intrusive treatments likely to secure the committed person's agreement to take the psychoactive medication.

(d) A hearing under this subchapter shall be conducted on the record by the probate judge or judge with probate jurisdiction, except as provided by Subsection (e).

(e) A judge may refer a hearing to a magistrate or court-appointed associate judge who has training regarding psychoactive medications. The magistrate or associate judge may provide the notice, set hearing dates, and appoint attorneys as required by this subchapter. A record is not required if the hearing is held by a magistrate or court-appointed associate judge.

(f) A party is entitled to a hearing de novo by the judge if an appeal of the magistrate's or associate judge's report is filed with the court not later than the third day after the date the report is issued. The hearing de novo must be held not later than the 30th day after the date the application under Section 841.203 was filed.

(g) If a hearing or an appeal of a magistrate's or associate judge's report is to be held in a county court in which the judge is not a licensed attorney, the committed person or the committed person's attorney may request that the proceeding be transferred to a court with a judge who is licensed to practice law in this state. The county judge shall transfer the case after receiving the request, and the receiving court shall hear the case as if it had been originally filed in that court.

(h) As soon as practicable after the conclusion of the hearing, the committed person is entitled to have provided to the committed person and the committed person's attorney written notification of the court's determinations under this section. The notification must include a statement of the evidence on which the court relied and the reasons for the court's determinations.

(i) An order issued under this section shall authorize the administration to a committed person, regardless of the committed person's refusal, of one or more classes of psychoactive medications specified in the application and consistent with the committed person's diagnosis. The order shall permit an increase or decrease in a medication's dosage, continuation of medication authorized but discontinued during the period the order is valid, or the substitution of a medication within the same class.

(j) The classes of psychoactive medications in the order must conform to classes determined by the Health and Human Services Commission.

(k) An order issued under this section may be reauthorized or modified on the petition of a party. The order remains in effect pending action on a petition for reauthorization or modification. For the purpose of this subsection, "modification" means a change of a class of medication authorized in the order.

Sec. 841.206. FINDING THAT COMMITTED PERSON PRESENTS A DANGER. In making a finding under Section 841.205(b)(2) that the committed person presents a danger to the committed person or others in the civil commitment center in which the committed person is being treated, the court shall consider:

(1) an assessment of the committed person's present mental condition;

(2) whether the committed person has inflicted, attempted to inflict, or made a serious threat of inflicting substantial physical or emotional harm to the committed person's self or to another while in the center; and

(3) whether the committed person, in the 180-day period preceding the date the committed person was placed in the center, has inflicted, attempted to inflict, or made a serious threat of inflicting substantial physical or emotional harm to another.

Sec. 841.207. COSTS. (a) The court shall order the payment of reasonable compensation to attorneys, physicians, language interpreters, sign interpreters, and associate judges appointed under this subchapter. The compensation paid shall be assessed as court costs.

(b) The agency responsible for services under Section 841.0835(a) shall pay as provided by Subsection (a) the costs of a hearing held under Section 841.205 regarding an order for the administration of psychoactive medication to a committed person.

Sec. 841.208. APPEAL. (a) An appeal from an order issued under Section 841.205, or from a renewal or modification of an order, must be filed in the court of appeals for the county in which the order is issued.

(b) Notice of appeal must be filed not later than the 10th day after the date on which the order is issued.

(c) When an appeal is filed, the clerk shall immediately send a certified transcript of the proceedings to the court of appeals.

(d) An order issued under Section 841.205 is effective pending an appeal of the order.

(e) The court of appeals and supreme court shall give an appeal under this section preference over all other cases and shall advance the appeal on the docket. The courts may suspend all rules relating to the time for filing briefs and docketing cases.

Sec. 841.209. EXPIRATION OF ORDER. An order issued under Section 841.205 expires on the first anniversary of the date the order was issued.

SECTION 28. The changes in law made by this Act in amending Sections 20.02, 21.07, 21.08, 22.01, and 38.11, Penal Code, apply only to an offense committed on or after the effective date of this Act. An offense committed before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the date the offense was committed, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. For purposes of this section, an offense was committed before the effective date of this Act if any element of the offense occurred before that date.

SECTION 29. Chapter 14A, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, as added by this Act, applies only to an action filed on or after the effective date of this Act.

SECTION 30. Chapter 78B, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, as added by this Act, applies only to a cause of action that accrues on or after the effective date of this Act.

SECTION 31. Subchapter I, Chapter 841, Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act, applies to a hearing ordering the administration of psychoactive medication to a committed person under that chapter that occurs on or after the effective date of this Act, regardless of whether the applicable conduct of the committed person being evaluated for that purpose occurred before, on, or after the effective date of this Act.

SECTION 32. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.

______________________________ ______________________________

President of the Senate Speaker of the House

I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1179 passed the Senate on April 20, 2023, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.

______________________________ Secretary of the Senate

I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1179 passed the House on May 17, 2023, by the following vote: Yeas 142, Nays 2, one present not voting.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House

Approved:

______________________________

Date

______________________________

Governor