Bill: SB 194, 86(R) - 2019

Committee

Senate Criminal Justice

2nd Chamber Committee

House Criminal Jurisprudence

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
Yes Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral Neutral

Author(s)

Charles Perry

Co-Author(s)

Carol Alvarado

Sponsor(s)

Joe Moody

Co-Sponsor(s)

Michelle Beckley
Nicole Collier
Jeff Leach
Morgan Meyer

Bill Caption

Relating to the creation of the offense of indecent assault, to judicial protection for victims of that offense, and to certain criminal acts committed in relation to that offense.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 194 would create the offense of indecent assault. The bill defines this new offense as touching the anus, breast, or any part of the genitals of another person; touching another person with their own anus, breast or genitals; exposing or attempting to expose another person's genitals, pubic area, anus, buttocks, or female areola; or causing another person to contact blood, seminal fluid, vaginal fluid, saliva, urine, or feces of any person without the other person's consent, and with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person. This offense would be a Class A misdemeanor. For conduct that constitutes this offense and another offense, the person can be charged with this offense, the other, or both. 

It would also allow a victim of indecent assault to apply for a protective order against the offender.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action supports SB 194 because it promotes personal responsibility by holding offenders accountable that otherwise would not likely be prosecuted or only forced to pay a fine of up to $500. It is the proper role of government to protect individuals from unwanted sexual contact and ensure that offenders pay a legal consequence that is proportionate to their crime.
Source URL (retrieved on 04/25/2024 10:04 PM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/86r/sb194?print_view=true