BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 3745
89R15353 AJZ-F	By: Manuel et al. (Zaffirini)
	Finance
	5/14/2025
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The attorney general's crime victims' compensation (CVC) program exists to provide financial assistance to individuals who have suffered losses due to a violent crime. Current law, however, imposes certain limitations on the attorney general's authority to make emergency awards under the program, which can delay much-needed financial relief for crime victims and their families. These limitations may cause economic hardship for victims facing extraordinary circumstances, such as victims affected by crimes committed during a state of emergency.

H.B. 3745 would enhance the responsiveness of the CVC program by authorizing the attorney general to make emergency anticipatory awards without certain limitations in cases involving a deceased victim and criminal conduct that resulted in a proclaimed state of emergency.

H.B. 3745 amends current law relating to crime victims' compensation.

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 Article 56B.102, Code of Criminal Procedure, by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (d), as follows:

(a) Authorizes the attorney general, rather than authorizes the attorney general before acting on an application for compensation under Chapter 56B (Crime Victims' Compensation), to make an emergency award for anticipated pecuniary losses if it appears likely that:

(1) a final award will be made; and

(2) the claimant or victim will suffer undue hardship if immediate economic relief is not obtained.

(d) Provides that the limitations on emergency awards described by Subsections (a)(1) and (c) (relating to the required amount of an emergency award) do not apply to an application for compensation under this chapter made by a claimant in relation to a deceased victim and arising from criminally injurious conduct that resulted in a proclaimed state of emergency under Section 433.001 (Proclamation of State of Emergency), Government Code.

SECTION 2. Makes application of Article 56B.102, Code of Criminal Procedure, as amended by this Act, prospective.

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2025.