HBA-EDN H.B. 519 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 519 By: Gallego Criminal Jurisprudence 3/4/2001 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Victims of domestic violence are eligible to file a claim with the Texas Crime Victims' Compensation Fund to seek compensation for certain costs incurred, including relocation costs. However, the term "domestic violence" is not defined under current statutes and may exclude certain individuals who could benefit from assistance with relocation costs. House Bill 519 establishes a definition of "family violence" that enables victims of sexual assault to qualify for compensation. 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. ANALYSIS House Bill 519 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to authorize a victim of family violence or sexual assault to receive a onetime-only assistance payment as compensation for pecuniary loss for relocation and housing rental expenses. The bill defines "family violence" as an act taken by a person against a member of the person's immediate family or household that is intended to result in personal injury or that places the member of the person's immediate family or household in fear of imminent personal injury. The bill provides that the term includes an assault or sexual assault, but it does not include an act taken in selfdefense. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2001.