Bill

HB 1343

86(R) - 2019
House Corrections
Senate Criminal Justice
House Corrections
Senate Criminal Justice
Criminal Procedure

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Jeff Leach

Sponsor(s)

Angela Paxton

Bill Caption

Relating to persons who may be prosecuted for the criminal offense of improper contact with a victim.


Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.


Bill Analysis

HB 1343 would expand the conduct that constitutes the offense of "improper contact" with a victim. This bill would provide that a person commits an offense if the person, while confined in a correctional facility after being charged with or convicted of certain sex-related crimes, contacts a victim or member of the victim's family, and the victim or victim's family member has not provided written consent. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action supports HB 1343 which upholds the principles of personal responsibility and limited government. This bill expands the improper contact prohibition in a way that remains in proportion to the offense and protects victims from being harassed by their abuser while the abuser is in confinement in a correctional facility.