Bill > HB1953

This bill enhances the rights and protections for crime victims, particularly sexual assault victims, by making several key changes to the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. The bill requires prosecutors to provide victims or their families with more timely and comprehensive notifications about court proceedings, plea bargain agreements, and case developments, specifically mandating notice at least five business days before key events or as soon as reasonably possible. It strengthens victims' rights by ensuring they can be accompanied by an advocate during forensic medical examinations and investigative interviews, and introduces a civil penalty of $1,000 for healthcare facilities that fail to offer or prevent advocate access during examinations. The bill also explicitly allows victims to assert their rights orally or in writing, individually or through an attorney, and adds a provision that victims can have their attorney present during investigative interviews. Additionally, the bill requires documentation of whether advocate offers were made during forensic medical examinations and provides potential consequences for facilities that do not comply, including possible removal of their SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examination) facility designation. These changes aim to provide more support, information, and protection for crime victims throughout the criminal justice process, with a particular focus on sexual assault victims.