HBA-GUM, KMH H.B. 3255 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 3255
By: Gallego
Criminal Jurisprudence
7/27/1999
Enrolled


BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Prior to the 76th Texas Legislature, the Crime Victims' Compensation Act
did not permit victims of domestic violence to file claims seeking
compensation from the compensation to victims of crime fund for
reimbursement of relocation and housing rental expenses.  Frequently, such
victims have no recourse when they attempt to relocate in order to escape
further violence.  H.B. 3255 permits a victim of domestic violence to file
a claim on the compensation to victims of crime fund to seek compensation
for costs incurred for relocation and housing rental expenses. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Article 56.32(9), Code of Criminal Procedure, to expand
the definition of "pecuniary loss" to include reasonable and necessary
costs, as provided by Article 56.42(d) (Limits on Compensation), Code of
Criminal Procedure, incurred by victims of domestic violence for relocation
and housing rental assistance payments. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 56.42, Code of Criminal Procedure, by adding
Subsection (d), as follows: 

(d) Authorizes a claimant who is a victim of domestic violence to receive a
one-time only assistance payment in an amount not to exceed $2,000 to be
used for relocation expenses, including expenses for rental deposit,
utility connections, expenses relating to the moving of belongings, motor
vehicle milage expenses, and for out-of-state moves, transportation fare,
lodging, and meals and a one-time only assistance payment in an amount not
to exceed $1,800 to be used for housing rental expenses. 

SECTION 3.Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 4.  Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.