Legislative Blog

J.B. Williams, J.D.

A bill that modifies the Human Resources Code

A Blog about 88th Legislature Laws

A Bit of Background

The following backgrounds help summarize the author's views on both the general topic: Texas and more specifically 88th Legislature Laws as it relates to that topic.

Brief Summary of Texas

Texas is truly a Republic. There are a multitude of items that to modify the state constitution must be modified. So there are times when Constitutional amendments are on the voting ballots. While I sometimes abhor the wording, the concept that all of those legally able to vote in Texas must vote on the change is a good one. And bills in Texas are generally short, making it easier for everyone to understand.

Summary of 88th Legislature Laws

The blogs here will discuss the laws passed by Congress and signed into law, as well as those, passed by Congress and approved by the voters to become law. There are a multitude of laws and each time I post blogs I will notate here the current effective date if it is different from prior blogs. I am currently posting bills that took effect immediately - those bills total 336. I am currently posting regarding larger bills, so each blog covers a single bill.

Blog Summary

SB 1325 - It requires the Health and Human Services Commission to provide written notices to victims regarding certain rights, and ensures this information is available via their Internet website.

A bill that modifies the Human Resources Code

Published: 2024-04-17

SB 1325

Notice given to certain victims of family violence, stalking, harassment, or terroristic threat

This section covers victims of family violence, harassment, and terrorist threats; including:

1. an adult member of a family who is subjected to an act of family violence;
2. a member of the household of an adult family member subjected to an act of family violence, except the person committing the violence;
3. a person who is subjected to conduct constituting stalking, harassment, or terroristic threat

The commission shall adopt a written notice to provide to victims to assist them in obtaining services. The notice must include the following in English and Spanish:

1. a statement that it is a criminal offense for any person to cause physical injury or harm to a victim or to engage in conduct constituting stalking, harassment, or terroristic threat toward a victim;
2. a list of agencies and social organizations that the victim may contact for assistance with safety planning, shelter, or protection;
3. contact information for:
   • National Domestic Violence Hotline;
   • victim support services at the Department of Public Safety; and
   • the commission's family violence program;
4. information regarding the legal rights of victims, including the filing of criminal charges and obtaining a protective order or magistrate's order for emergency protection; and the ability of a tenant to vacate a dwelling and terminate a residential lease

The notice shall be periodically updated and be available in their Internet website in both English and Spanish.

The following modifies the Code of Criminal Procedure

A peace officer including a campus peace officer. A peace officer that investigates an allegation of stalking, harassment, or terroristic threat shall advise the victim of all reasonable means to prevent further offenses, including providing a written notice adopted by the Health and Human Services Commission. They may also provide the possible victim any available written information regarding local resources for the victim.

The following modifies the Family Code

A medical professional that treats a person for injuries they believe were caused by family violence shall provide the written notice adopted by the Health and Human Services Commission.

 

J.B. Williams, J.D.

4,312 federal laws were passed from 1995 through December 2016.
Along with 88,819 federal rules and regulations.