TX
Texas House Bill HB4918
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
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Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4918

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to rights of a victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim in certain criminal cases involving family violence, sexual or assaultive offenses, stalking, or a violation of a protective order or condition of bond.

Impact

If enacted, HB 4918 will significantly impact state laws governing victim rights in Texas. It will provide victims with clearer rights concerning protection from harm, notification in criminal proceedings, and the ability to participate in parole processes. The bill emphasizes the need for law enforcement and legal representatives to prioritize communication with victims and their families, ultimately aiming to create a more informed and supportive environment for those affected by violent crimes.

Summary

House Bill 4918 aims to enhance and clarify the rights of victims, guardians of victims, and close relatives of deceased victims in cases of family violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The bill proposes amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, specifically focusing on ensuring that victims are informed about their rights and the procedures applicable within the criminal justice system. It introduces definitions for key terms like 'family violence' and establishes a comprehensive framework for victim support and communication throughout the legal process.

Contention

While the bill is largely supported for its intent to aid victims of crime, certain points of contention may arise surrounding the implementation of these rights and the extent of the state’s responsibility in ensuring victim protection. Legislative discussions may focus on the resources available for training law enforcement officers and legal professionals to adhere to these new mandates, as well as potential criticisms regarding how effectively these rights will be enforced in practice. The bill's passage will likely prompt debates on balancing the rights and needs of victims with the rights of defendants within the criminal justice framework.

Companion Bills

TX SB1120

Identical Relating to rights of a victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim in certain criminal cases involving family violence, sexual or assaultive offenses, stalking, or a violation of a protective order or condition of bond and to the duration of certain protective orders.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1120

Relating to rights of a victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim in certain criminal cases involving family violence, sexual or assaultive offenses, stalking, or a violation of a protective order or condition of bond and to the duration of certain protective orders.

TX HB2582

Relating to the rights of a victim, guardian of a victim, advocate for a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim to certain information regarding a defendant's parole.

TX HB2073

Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for certain violations of certain court orders or conditions of bond in cases involving family violence, child abuse or neglect, sexual assault or abuse, indecent assault, stalking, or trafficking.

TX S1210

Provides rental and lease protections for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

TX A4218

Provides rental and lease protections for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

TX HB36

Relating to the monitoring of certain family violence offenders, the provision of resources for family violence victims, and the collection of information about conditions of bond imposed in family violence cases and certain other criminal cases.

TX HSB570

A bill for an act relating to victim protections including victim counselors, protective orders, sex offender registration, rights of sexual abuse victims, mental competency and civil commitment, restitution, and victim rights.(See HF 2704.)

TX SSB3089

A bill for an act relating to victim protections including victim counselors, protective orders, sex offender registration, rights of sexual abuse victims, mental competency and civil commitment, restitution, and victim rights.(See SF 2379.)

TX HB745

Relating to an exemption from jury service for certain crime victims or close relatives of deceased crime victims.

TX SB761

Relating to the offense of sexual assault and to the rights of crime victims, including the enforcement of certain rights of sexual assault victims; authorizing a civil penalty.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.