BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center

H.B. 189

 

By: Thompson, Senfronia et al. (Taylor, Van)

 

Criminal Justice

 

5/20/2015

 

Engrossed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

H.B. 189 amends current law relating to the elimination of the statute of limitations for the offenses of sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault.

 

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 12.01, Code of Criminal Procedure, to add sexual assault, if probable cause exists to believe that the defendant has committed the same or a similar sexual offense against five or more victims, to a list of felony indictments that may be presented with no limitation, except as provided by Article 12.03 (Aggravated Offenses, Attempt, Conspiracy, Solicitation, Organized Criminal Activity).

 

SECTION 2. Provides that the change in law made by this Act does not apply to an offense if the prosecution of that offense becomes barred by limitation before the effective date of this Act.  Provides that the prosecution of that offense remains barred as if this Act had not taken effect.

 

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2015.