CHAPTER 56. RIGHTS OF CRIME VICTIMS - Texas Statutes

CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURETITLE 1. CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURECHAPTER 56. RIGHTS OF CRIME VICTIMSSUBCHAPTER A. CRIME VICTIMS' RIGHTSArt. 56.01. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:(1) "Close relative of a deceased victim" means a person who was the spouse of a deceased victim at the time of the victim's death or who is a parent or adult brother, sister, or child of the deceased victim.(2) "Guardian of a victim" means a person who is the legal guardian of the victim, whether or not the legal relationship between the guardian and victim exists because of the age of the victim or the physical or mental incompetency of the victim.(2-a) "Sexual assault" includes an offense under Section 21.02, Penal Code.(3) "Victim" means a person who is the victim of the offense of sexual assault, kidnapping, aggravated robbery, trafficking of persons, or injury to a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual or who has suffered personal injury or death as a result of the criminal conduct of another.

Added by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 588, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 66, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 268, Sec. 1.126, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 593, Sec. 3.20, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 372, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.

Art. 56.02. CRIME VICTIMS' RIGHTS. (a) A victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim is entitled to the following rights within the criminal justice system:(1) the right to receive from law enforcement agencies adequate protection from harm and threats of harm arising from cooperation with prosecution efforts;(2) the right to have the magistrate take the safety of the victim or his family into consideration as an element in fixing the amount of bail for the accused;(3) the right, if requested, to be informed:(A) by the attorney representing the state of relevant court proceedings, including appellate proceedings, and to be informed if those proceedings have been canceled or rescheduled prior to the event; and(B) by an appellate court of decisions of the court, after the decisions are entered but before the decisions are made public;(4) the right to be informed, when requested, by a peace officer concerning the defendant's right to bail and the procedures in criminal investigations and by the district attorney's office concerning the general procedures in the criminal justice system, including general procedures in guilty plea negotiations and arrangements, restitution, and the appeals and parole process;(5) the right to provide pertinent information to a probation department conducting a presentencing investigation concerning the impact of the offense on the victim and his family by testimony, written statement, or any other manner prior to any sentencing of the offender;(6) the right to receive information regarding compensation to victims of crime as provided by Subchapter B, including information related to the costs that may be compensated under that subchapter and the amount of compensation, eligibility for compensation, and procedures for application for compensation under that subchapter, the payment for a medical examination under Article 56.06 for a victim of a sexual assault, and when requested, to referral to available social service agencies that may offer additional assistance;(7) the right to be informed, upon request, of parole procedures, to participate in the parole process, to be notified, if requested, of parole proceedings concerning a defendant in the victim's case, to provide to the Board of Pardons and Paroles for inclusion in the defendant's file information to be considered by the board prior to the parole of any defendant convicted of any crime subject to this subchapter, and to be notified, if requested, of the defendant's release;(8) the right to be provided with a waiting area, separate or secure from other witnesses, including the offender and relatives of the offender, before testifying in any proceeding concerning the offender; if a separate waiting area is not available, other safeguards should be taken to minimize the victim's contact with the offender and the offender's relatives and witnesses, before and during court proceedings;(9) the right to prompt return of any property of the victim that is held by a law enforcement agency or the attorney for the state as evidence when the property is no longer required for that purpose;(10) the right to have the attorney for the state notify the employer of the victim, if requested, of the necessity of the victim's cooperation and testimony in a proceeding that may necessitate the absence of the victim from work for good cause;(11) the right to counseling, on request, regarding acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and testing for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, antibodies to HIV, or infection with any other probable causative agent of AIDS, if the offense is an offense under Section 21.02, 21.11(a)(1), 22.011, or 22.021, Penal Code;(12) the right to request victim-offender mediation coordinated by the victim services division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice;(13) the right to be informed of the uses of a victim impact statement and the statement's purpose in the criminal justice system, to complete the victim impact statement, and to have the victim impact statement considered:(A) by the attorney representing the state and the judge before sentencing or before a plea bargain agreement is accepted; and(B) by the Board of Pardons and Paroles before an inmate is released on parole;(14) to the extent provided by Articles 56.06 and 56.065, for a victim of a sexual assault, the right to a forensic medical examination if, within 96 hours of the sexual assault, the assault is reported to a law enforcement agency or a forensic medical examination is otherwise conducted at a health care facility; and(15) for a victim of an assault or sexual assault who is younger than 17 years of age or whose case involves family violence, as defined by Section 71.004, Family Code, the right to have the court consider the impact on the victim of a continuance requested by the defendant; if requested by the attorney representing the state or by counsel for the defendant, the court shall state on the record the reason for granting or denying the continuance.(b) A victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim is entitled to the right to be present at all public court proceedings related to the offense, subject to the approval of the judge in the case.(c) The office of the attorney representing the state, and the sheriff, police, and other law enforcement agencies shall ensure to the extent practicable that a victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim is afforded the rights granted by Subsection (a) of this article and, on request, an explanation of those rights.(d) A judge, attorney for the state, peace officer, or law enforcement agency is not liable for a failure or inability to provide a right enumerated in this article. The failure or inability of any person to provide a right or service enumerated in this article may not be used by a defendant in a criminal case as a ground for appeal, a ground to set aside the conviction or sentence, or a ground in a habeas corpus petition. A victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim does not have standing to participate as a party in a criminal proceeding or to contest the disposition of any charge.

Added by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 588, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Subsec. (a) amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 433, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 31, 1987; Subsecs. (a), (c) amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 929, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Subsec. (c) amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 996, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989; Subsecs. (a), (d) amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 202, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Subsec. (a) amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 811, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Subsec. (a)(6) amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5.95(108), eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Subsecs. (a), (b) amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1034, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 498, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 593, Sec. 3.21, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 664, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1140, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.

Art. 56.03. VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENT. (a) The Texas Crime Victim Clearinghouse, with the participation of the community justice assistance division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the Board of Pardons and Paroles, shall develop a form to be used by law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and other participants in the criminal justice system to record the impact of an offense on a victim of the offense, guardian of a victim, or a close relative of a deceased victim and to provide the agencies, prosecutors, and participants with information needed to contact the victim, guardian, or relative if needed at any stage of a prosecution of a person charged with the offense. The Texas Crime Victim Clearinghouse, with the participation of the community justice assistance division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the Board of Pardons and Paroles, shall also develop a victims' information booklet that provides a general explanation of the criminal justice system to victims of an offense, guardians of victims, and relatives of deceased victims.(b) The victim impact statement must be in a form designed to inform a victim, guardian of a victim, or a close relative of a deceased victim with a clear statement of rights provided by Article 56.02 and to collect the following information:(1) the name of the victim of the offense or, if the victim has a legal guardian or is deceased, the name of a guardian or close relative of the victim;(2) the address and telephone number of the victim, guardian, or relative through which the victim, guardian of a victim, or a close relative of a deceased victim, may be contacted;(3) a statement of economic loss suffered by the victim, guardian, or relative as a result of the offense;(4) a statement of any physical or psychological injury suffered by the victim, guardian, or relative as a result of the offense, as described by the victim, guardian, relative, or by a physician or counselor;(5) a statement of any psychological services requested as a result of the offense;(6) a statement of any change in the victim's, guardian's, or relative's personal welfare or familial relationship as a result of the offense;(7) a statement as to whether or not the victim, guardian, or relative wishes to be notified in the future of any parole hearing for the defendant and an explanation as to the procedures by which the victim, guardian, or relative may obtain information concerning the release of the defendant from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice; and(8) any other information, other than facts related to the commission of the offense, related to the impact of the offense on the victim, guardian, or relative.(c) The victim assistance coordinator, designated in Article 56.04(a) of this code, shall send to a victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim a victim impact statement, a victims' information booklet, and an application for compensation under Subchapter B, Chapter 56, along with an offer to assist in completing those forms on request. The victim assistance coordinator, on request, shall explain the possible use and consideration of the victim impact statement at sentencing and future parole hearing of the offender.(d) If a victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim states on the victim impact statement that he wishes to be notified of parole proceedings, the victim, guardian, or relative is responsible for notifying the Board of Pardons and Paroles of any change of address.(e) Prior to the imposition of a sentence by the court in a criminal case, the court, if it has received a victim impact statement, shall consider the information provided in the statement. Before sentencing the defendant, the court shall permit the defendant or his counsel a reasonable time to read the statement, excluding the victim's name, address, and telephone number, comment on the statement, and, with the approval of the court, introduce testimony or other information alleging a factual inaccuracy in the statement. If the court sentences the defendant to a term of community supervision, the court shall forward any victim's impact statement received in the case to the community supervision and corrections department supervising the defendant, along with the papers in the case.(f) The court may not inspect a victim impact statement until after a finding of guilt or until deferred adjudication is ordered and the contents of the statement may not be disclosed to any person unless:(1) the defendant pleads guilty or nolo contendere or is convicted of the offense; or(2) the defendant in writing authorizes the court to inspect the statement.(g) A victim impact statement is subject to discovery under Article 39.14 of this code before the testimony of the victim is taken only if the court determines that the statement contains exculpatory material.(h) Not later than December 1 of each odd-numbered year, the Texas Crime Victim Clearinghouse, with the participation of the community justice assistance division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the Board of Pardons and Paroles, shall update the victim impact statement form and any other information provided by the commission to victims, guardians of victims, and relatives of deceased victims, if necessary, to reflect changes in law relating to criminal justice and the rights of victims and guardians and relatives of victims.(i) In addition to the information described by Subsections (b)(1)-(8), the victim impact statement must be in a form designed to collect information on whether, if the victim is a child, there is an existing court order granting to the defendant possession of or access to the victim. If information collected under this subsection indicates the defendant is granted access or possession under court order and the defendant is subsequently confined by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice as a result of the commission of the offense, the victim services office of the department shall contact the court issuing the order before the defendant is released from the department on parole or mandatory supervision.

Added by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 588, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Subsecs. (a), (c) amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 929, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Subsec. (e) amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 433, Sec. 2, eff. Aug. 31, 1987; Subsec. (h) added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 929, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Subsec. (c) amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 996, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1989; amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5.95(108), eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Subsec. (i) added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 670, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Subsec. (e) amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1034, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87, Sec. 25.038, eff. September 1, 2009.

Art. 56.04. VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR; CRIME VICTIM LIAISON. (a) The district attorney, criminal district attorney, or county attorney who prosecutes criminal cases shall designate a person to serve as victim assistance coordinator in that jurisdiction.(b) The duty of the victim assistance coordinator is to ensure that a victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim is afforded the rights granted victims, guardians, and relatives by Article 56.02 of this code. The victim assistance coordinator shall work closely with appropriate law enforcement agencies, prosecuting attorneys, the Board of Pardons and Paroles, and the judiciary in carrying out that duty.(c) Each local law enforcement agency shall designate one person to serve as the agency's crime victim liaison. Each agency shall consult with the victim assistance coordinator in the office of the attorney representing the state to determine the most effective manner in which the crime victim liaison can perform the duties imposed on the crime victim liaison under this article.(d) The duty of the crime victim liaison is to ensure that a victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim is afforded the rights granted victims, guardians, or close relatives of deceased victims by Subdivisions (4), (6), and (9) of Article 56.02(a) of this code.(e) The victim assistance coordinator shall send a copy of a victim impact statement to the court sentencing the defendant. If the court sentences the defendant to imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, it shall attach the copy of the victim impact statement to the commitment papers.(f) The commissioners court may approve a program in which the crime victim liaison or victim assistance coordinator may offer not more than 10 hours of posttrial psychological counseling for a person who serves as a juror or an alternate juror in a criminal trial involving graphic evidence or testimony and who requests the posttrial psychological counseling not later than the 180th day after the date on which the jury in the trial is dismissed. The crime victim liaison or victim assistance coordinator may provide the counseling using a provider that assists local criminal justice agencies in providing similar services to victims.

Added by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 588, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 996, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1989; Subsec. (a) amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 202, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1378, Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87, Sec. 25.039, eff. September 1, 2009.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 93, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.

Art. 56.045. PRESENCE OF ADVOCATE OR REPRESENTATIVE DURING FORENSIC MEDICAL EXAMINATION. (a) Before conducting a forensic medical examination of a person who consents to such an examination for the collection of evidence for an alleged sexual assault, the physician or other medical services personnel conducting the examination shall offer the person the opportunity to have an advocate from a sexual assault program as defined by Section 420.003, Government Code, who has completed a sexual assault training program described by Section 420.011(b), Government Code, present with the person during the examination, if the advocate is available at the time of the examination.(b) The advocate may only provide the injured person with:(1) counseling and other support services; and(2) information regarding the rights of crime victims under Article 56.02.(c) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), the advocate and the sexual assault program providing the advocate may not delay or otherwise impede the screening or stabilization of an emergency medical condition.(d) The sexual assault program providing the advocate shall pay all costs associated with providing the advocate.(e) Any individual or entity, including a health care facility, that provides an advocate with access to a person consenting to an examination under Subsection (a) is not subject to civil or criminal liability for providing that access. In this subsection, "health care facility" includes a hospital licensed under Chapter 241, Health and Safety Code.(f) If a person alleging to have sustained injuries as the victim of a sexual assault was confined in a penal institution, as defined by Section 1.07, Penal Code, at the time of the alleged assault, the penal institution shall provide, at the person's request, a representative to be present with the person at any forensic medical examination conducted for the purpose of collecting and preserving evidence related to the investigation or prosecution of the alleged assault. The representative may only provide the injured person with counseling and other support services and with information regarding the rights of crime victims under Article 56.02 and may not delay or otherwise impede the screening or stabilization of an emergency medical condition. The representative must be approved by the penal institution and must be a:(1) psychologist;(2) sociologist;(3) chaplain;(4) social worker;(5) case manager; or(6) volunteer who has completed a sexual assault training program described by Section 420.011(b), Government Code.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1019, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.

Art. 56.05. REPORTS REQUIRED. (a) The Board of Pardons and Paroles, the community justice assistance division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and the Texas Crime Victim Clearinghouse, designated as the planning body for the purposes of this article, shall develop a survey plan to maintain statistics on the numbers and types of persons to whom state and local agencies provide victim impact statements during each year.(b) At intervals specified in the plan, the planning body may require any state or local agency to submit, in a form prescribed for the reporting of the information, statistical data on the numbers and types of persons to whom the agency provides victim impact statements and any other information required by the planning body. The form must be designed to protect the privacy of persons afforded rights under this chapter and to determine whether the selected agency or office is making a good faith effort to protect the rights of the persons served.(c) The Texas Crime Victim Clearinghouse shall develop crime victim assistance standards and distribute those standards to law enforcement officers and attorneys representing the state to aid those officers and prosecutors in performing duties imposed by this chapter.

Added by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 588, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Subsec. (c) added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 996, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87, Sec. 25.040, eff. September 1, 2009.

Art. 56.06. MEDICAL EXAMINATION FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIM WHO HAS REPORTED ASSAULT; COSTS. (a) If a sexual assault is reported to a law enforcement agency within 96 hours of the assault, the law enforcement agency, with the consent of the victim, a person authorized to act on behalf of the victim, or an employee of the Department of Family and Protective Services, shall request a medical examination of the victim of the alleged assault for use in the investigation or prosecution of the offense. A law enforcement agency may decline to request a medical examination under this subsection only if the person reporting the sexual assault has made one or more false reports of sexual assault to any law enforcement agency and if there is no other evidence to corroborate the current allegations of sexual assault.(b) If a sexual assault is not reported within the period described by Subsection (a), on receiving the consent described by that subsection the law enforcement agency may request a medical examination of a victim of an alleged sexual assault as considered appropriate by the agency.(c) A law enforcement agency that requests a medical examination of a victim of an alleged sexual assault for use in the investigation or prosecution of the offense shall pay all costs of the examination. On application to the attorney general, the law enforcement agency is entitled to be reimbursed for the reasonable costs of that examination if the examination was performed by a physician or by a sexual assault examiner or sexual assault nurse examiner, as defined by Section 420.003, Government Code.(d) A law enforcement agency or prosecuting attorney's office may pay all costs related to the testimony of a licensed health care professional in a criminal proceeding regarding the results of the medical examination or manner in which it was performed.(e) This article does not require a law enforcement agency to pay any costs of treatment for injuries.

Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 2, Sec. 5.05(a), eff. Aug. 28, 1989. Subsec. (a) amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 75, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1507, Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2001.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 498, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1140, Sec. 2, eff. June 19, 2009.

Art. 56.065. MEDICAL EXAMINATION FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIM WHO HAS NOT REPORTED ASSAULT; COSTS. (a) In this article:(1) "Crime laboratory" has the meaning assigned by Article 38.35.(2) "Department" means the Department of Public Safety.(3) "Sexual assault examiner" and "sexual assault nurse examiner" have the meanings assigned by Section 420.003, Government Code.(b) This article applies to the following health care facilities that provide diagnosis or treatment services to victims of sexual assault:(1) a general or special hospital licensed under Chapter 241, Health and Safety Code;(2) a general or special hospital owned by this state;(3) an outpatient clinic; and(4) a private physician's office.(c) In accordance with Subchapter B, Chapter 420, Government Code, and except as provided by Subsection (e), a health care facility shall conduct a forensic medical examination of the victim of an alleged sexual assault if:(1) the victim arrives at the facility within 96 hours after the assault occurred;(2) the victim consents to the examination; and(3) at the time of the examination the victim has not reported the assault to a law enforcement agency.(d) The department shall pay the appropriate fees, as set by attorney general rule, for the forensic portion of the medical examination and for the evidence collection kit if a physician, sexual assault examiner, or sexual assault nurse examiner conducts the forensic portion of the examination within 96 hours after the alleged sexual assault occurred. The attorney general shall reimburse the department for fees paid under this subsection.(e) If a health care facility does not provide diagnosis or treatment services to victims of sexual assault, the facility shall refer a victim seeking a forensic medical examination under Subsection (c) to a health care facility that provides services to those victims.(f) The department may develop procedures regarding the submission or collection of additional evidence of the alleged sexual assault other than through an examination as described by this article.(g) The department shall develop procedures for the transfer and preservation of evidence collected under this article to a crime laboratory or other suitable location designated by the public safety director of the department. The receiving entity shall preserve the evidence until the earlier of:(1) the second anniversary of the date the evidence was collected; or(2) the date the victim or a legal representative of the victim signs a written consent to release the evidence.(h) The victim may not be required to:(1) participate in the investigation or prosecution of an offense as a condition of receiving a forensic medical examination under this article; or(2) pay for the forensic portion of the medical examination or for the evidence collection kit.(i) The attorney general and the department each shall adopt rules as necessary to implement this article.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1140, Sec. 3, eff. June 19, 2009.

Art. 56.07. NOTIFICATION. (a) At the initial contact or at the earliest possible time after the initial contact between the victim of a reported crime and the law enforcement agency having the responsibility for investigating that crime, that agency shall provide the victim a written notice containing:(1) information about the availability of emergency and medical services, if applicable;(2) notice that the victim has the right to receive information regarding compensation to victims of crime as provided by Subchapter B, Chapter 56, including information about:(A) the costs that may be compensated under that Act and the amount of compensation, eligibility for compensation, and procedures for application for compensation under that Act;(B) the payment for a medical examination for a victim of a sexual assault under Article 56.06 of this code; and(C) referral to available social service agencies that may offer additional assistance;(3) the name, address, and phone number of the law enforcement agency's victim assistance liaison;(4) the address, phone number, and name of the crime victim assistance coordinator of the office of the attorney representing the state;(5) the following statement:"You may call the law enforcement agency's telephone number for the status of the case and information about victims' rights"; and(6) the rights of crime victims under Article 56.02 of this code.(b) At the same time a law enforcement agency provides notice under Subsection (a), the agency shall provide, if the agency possesses the relevant information, a referral to a sexual assault program as defined by Section 420.003, Government Code, and a written description of the services provided by that program. A sexual assault program may provide a written description of its services to a law enforcement agency.

Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 202, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1991. Subd. (2) amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5.95(108), eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 788, Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2003.

Art. 56.08. NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS BY ATTORNEY REPRESENTING THE STATE. (a) Not later than the 10th day after the date that an indictment or information is returned against a defendant for an offense, the attorney representing the state shall give to each victim of the offense a written notice containing:(1) a brief general statement of each procedural stage in the processing of a criminal case, including bail, plea bargaining, parole restitution, and appeal;(2) notification of the rights and procedures under this chapter;(3) suggested steps the victim may take if the victim is subjected to threats or intimidation;(4) notification of the right to receive information regarding compensation to victims of crime as provided by Subchapter B, including information about:(A) the costs that may be compensated under Subchapter B, eligibility for compensation, and procedures for application for compensation under Subchapter B of this chapter;(B) the payment for a medical examination for a victim of a sexual assault under Article 56.06; and(C) referral to available social service agencies that may offer additional assistance;(5) the name, address, and phone number of the local victim assistance coordinator;(6) the case number and assigned court for the case;(7) the right to file a victim impact statement with the office of the attorney representing the state and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice; and(8) notification of the right of a victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim, as defined by Section 508.117, Government Code, to appear in person before a member of the Board of Pardons and Paroles as provided by Section 508.153, Government Code.(b) If requested by the victim, the attorney representing the state, as far as reasonably practical, shall give to the victim notice of any scheduled court proceedings, changes in that schedule, the filing of a request for continuance of a trial setting, and any plea agreements to be presented to the court.(c) A victim who receives a notice under Subsection (a) and who chooses to receive other notice under law about the same case must keep the following persons informed of the victim's current address and phone number:(1) the attorney representing the state; and(2) the Texas Department of Criminal Justice if after sentencing the defendant is confined in the department.(d) An attorney representing the state who receives information concerning a victim's current address and phone number shall immediately provide that information to the community supervision and corrections department supervising the defendant, if the defendant is placed on community supervision.(e) The brief general statement describing the plea bargaining stage in a criminal trial required by Subsection (a)(1) shall include a statement that:(1) the victim impact statement provided by the victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim will be considered by the attorney representing the state in entering into the plea bargain agreement; and(2) the judge before accepting the plea bargain is required under Section 26.13(e) to ask:(A) whether a victim impact statement has been returned to the attorney; and(B) if a statement has been returned, for a copy of the statement.

Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 202, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1991. Subsec. (a) amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 253, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Subsec. (a)(4) amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5.95(108), eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Subsec. (d) added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 252, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Subsec. (a) amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 12.04, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Subsec. (e) added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1034, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87, Sec. 25.041, eff. September 1, 2009.

Art. 56.09. VICTIM'S RIGHT TO PRIVACY. As far as reasonably practical, the address of the victim may not be a part of the court file except as necessary to identify the place of the crime. The phone number of the victim may not be a part of the court file.

Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 202, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.

Art. 56.10. VICTIM'S DISCOVERY ATTENDANCE. Unless absolutely necessary, victims or witnesses who are not incarcerated may not be required to attend depositions in a correctional facility.

Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 202, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.

Art. 56.11. NOTIFICATION TO VICTIM OR WITNESS OF RELEASE OR ESCAPE OF DEFENDANT. (a) The Texas Department of Criminal Justice or the sheriff, whichever has custody of the defendant in the case of a felony, or the sheriff in the case of a misdemeanor, shall notify the victim of the offense or a witness who testified against the defendant at the trial for the offense, other than a witness who testified in the course and scope of the witness's official or professional duties, whenever a defendant convicted of an offense described by Subsection (c):(1) completes the defendant's sentence and is released; or(2) escapes from a correctional facility.(a-1) The Texas Department of Criminal Justice, in the case of an inmate released on parole or to mandatory supervision following a term of imprisonment for an offense described by Subsection (c), or a community supervision and corrections department supervising a defendant, in the case of a defendant convicted of an offense described by Subsection (c) and subsequently released on community supervision, shall notify a victim or witness described by Subsection (a) whenever the inmate or defendant, if subject to electronic monitoring as a condition of release, ceases to be electronically monitored.(b) If the Texas Department of Criminal Justice is required by Subsection (a) to give notice to a victim or witness, the department shall also give notice to local law enforcement officials in the county in which the victim or witness resides.(c) This article applies to a defendant convicted of:(1) an offense under Title 5, Penal Code, that is punishable as a felony;(2) an offense described by Section 508.187(a), Government Code, other than an offense described by Subdivision (1); or(3) an offense involving family violence, stalking, or violation of a protective order or magistrate's order.(d) It is the responsibility of a victim or witness desiring notification of the defendant's release to provide the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the sheriff, or the community supervision and corrections department supervising the defendant, as appropriate, with the e-mail address, mailing address, and telephone number of the victim, witness, or other person through whom the victim or witness may be contacted and to notify the appropriate department or the sheriff of any change of address or telephone number of the victim, witness, or other person. Information obtained and maintained by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, a sheriff, or a community supervision and corrections department under this subsection is privileged and confidential.(e) The Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the sheriff, or the community supervision and corrections department supervising the defendant, as appropriate:(1) shall make a reasonable attempt to give any notice required by Subsection (a) or (a-1):(A) not later than the 30th day before the date the defendant completes the sentence and is released or ceases to be electronically monitored as a condition of release; or(B) immediately if the defendant escapes from the correctional facility; and(2) may give any notice required by Subsection (a) or (a-1) by e-mail, if possible.(f) An attempt by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the sheriff, or the community supervision and corrections department supervising the defendant to give notice to a victim or witness at the victim's or witness's last known mailing address or, if notice via e-mail is possible, last known e-mail address, as shown on the records of the appropriate department or agency, constitutes a reasonable attempt to give notice under this article.(g) Not later than immediately following the conviction of a defendant described by Subsection (c), the attorney who represented the state in the prosecution of the case shall notify in writing a victim or witness described by Subsection (a) of the victim's or witness's right to receive notice under this article.(h) In this article:(1) "Correctional facility" has the meaning assigned by Section 1.07, Penal Code.(2) "Family violence" has the meaning assigned by Section 71.004, Family Code.

Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 10, Sec. 6, eff. March 19, 1993. Subsec. (a) amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 657, Sec. 6, eff. June 14, 1995; amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1, Sec. 8, eff. Jan. 28, 1997. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 670, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Subsec. (c) amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 978, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Subsec. (g) amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 7.002(k), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 458, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 618, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.

Art. 56.12. NOTIFICATION OF ESCAPE OR TRANSFER. (a) The Texas Department of Criminal Justice shall immediately notify the victim of an offense, the victim's guardian, or the victim's close relative, if the victim is deceased, if the victim, victim's guardian, or victim's close relative has notified the department as provided by Subsection (b), whenever the defendant:(1) escapes from a facility operated by the department for the imprisonment of individuals convicted of felonies other than state jail felonies; or(2) is transferred from the custody of a facility operated by the department for the imprisonment of individuals convicted of felonies other than state jail felonies to the custody of a peace officer under a writ of attachment or a bench warrant.(a-1) The Texas Department of Criminal Justice shall immediately notify a witness who testified against a defendant at the trial for the offense for which the defendant is incarcerated, the witness's guardian, or the witness's close relative, if the witness is deceased, if the witness, witness's guardian, or witness's close relative has notified the department as provided by Subsection (b), whenever the defendant:(1) escapes from a facility operated by the department for the imprisonment of individuals convicted of felonies other than state jail felonies; or(2) is transferred from the custody of a facility operated by the department for the imprisonment of individuals convicted of felonies other than state jail felonies to the custody of a peace officer under a writ of attachment or a bench warrant.(b) It is the responsibility of the victim, witness, guardian, or close relative desiring notification of a defendant's escape or transfer from custody under a writ of attachment or bench warrant to notify the Texas Department of Criminal Justice of the desire for notification and any change of address.(c) In providing notice under Subsection (a)(2) or (a-1)(2), the department shall include the name, address, and telephone number of the peace officer receiving the defendant into custody. On returning the defendant to the custody of the department, the victim services division of the department shall notify the victim, witness, guardian, or close relative, as applicable, of that fact.(d) In this article, "witness's close relative" means a person who was the spouse of the deceased witness at the time of the witness's death or who is a parent or adult brother, sister, or child of the deceased witness.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 251, Sec. 1, eff. May 29, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1034, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 458, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87, Sec. 25.042, eff. September 1, 2009.

Art. 56.13. VICTIM-OFFENDER MEDIATION. The victim services division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice shall:(1) train volunteers to act as mediators between victims, guardians of victims, and close relatives of deceased victims and offenders whose criminal conduct caused bodily injury or death to victims; and(2) provide mediation services through referral of a trained volunteer, if requested by a victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1034, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.

Art. 56.14. CLEARINGHOUSE ANNUAL CONFERENCE. (a) The Texas Crime Victim Clearinghouse may conduct an annual conference to provide to participants in the criminal justice system training containing information on crime victims' rights.(b) The clearinghouse may charge fees to persons attending the conference described by Subsection (a).

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1034, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.

Art. 56.15. COMPUTERIZED DATABASE; DEFENDANT RELEASE INFORMATION. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice shall:(1) create and maintain a computerized database containing the release information and release date of a defendant described by Article 56.11(c); and(2) allow a victim or witness entitled to notice under Article 56.11 or 56.12 to access via the Internet the computerized database maintained under Subdivision (1).

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 458, Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2007.

SUBCHAPTER B. CRIME VICTIMS' COMPENSATIONArt. 56.31. SHORT TITLE. This subchapter may be cited as the Crime Victims' Compensation Act.

Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5.84(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 779, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Art. 56.311. LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT. The legislature recognizes that many innocent individuals suffer personal injury or death as a result of criminal acts. Crime victims and persons who intervene to prevent criminal acts often suffer disabilities, incur financial burdens, or become dependent on public assistance. The legislature finds that there is a need for the compensation of victims of crime and those who suffer personal injury or death in the prevention of crime or in the apprehension of criminals. It is the legislature's intent that the compensation of innocent victims of violent crime encourage greater public cooperation in the successful apprehension and prosecution of criminals.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 779, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Art. 56.32. DEFINITIONS. (a) In this subchapter:(1) "Child" means an individual younger than 18 years of age who:(A) is not married; or(B) has not had the disabilities of minority removed for general purposes under Chapter 31, Family Code.(2) "Claimant" means, except as provided by Subsection (b), any of the following individuals who is entitled to file or has filed a claim for compensation under this subchapter:(A) an authorized individual acting on behalf of a victim;(B) an individual who legally assumes the obligation or who voluntarily pays medical or burial expenses of a victim incurred as a result of the criminally injurious conduct of another;(C) a dependent of a victim who died as a result of criminally injurious conduct;(D) an immediate family member or household member of a victim who:(i) requires psychiatric care or counseling as a result of the criminally injurious conduct; or(ii) as a result of the criminally injurious conduct, incurs with respect to a deceased victim expenses for traveling to and attending the victim's funeral or suffers wage loss from bereavement leave taken in connection with the death of that victim; or(E) an authorized individual acting on behalf of an individual who is described by Subdivision (C) or (D) and who is a child.(3) "Collateral source" means any of the following sources of benefits or advantages for pecuniary loss that a claimant or victim has received or that is readily available to the claimant or victim from:(A) the offender under an order of restitution to the claimant or victim imposed by a court as a condition of community supervision;(B) the United States, a federal agency, a state or any of its political subdivisions, or an instrumentality of two or more states, unless the law providing for the benefits or advantages makes them in excess of or secondary to benefits under this subchapter;(C) social security, Medicare, or Medicaid;(D) another state's or another country's crime victims' compensation program;(E) workers' compensation;(F) an employer's wage continuation program, not including vacation and sick leave benefits;(G) proceeds of an insurance contract payable to or on behalf of the claimant or victim for loss that the claimant or victim sustained because of the criminally injurious conduct;(H) a contract or self-funded program providing hospital and other health care services or benefits; or(I) proceeds awarded to the claimant or victim as a result of third-party litigation.(4) "Criminally injurious conduct" means conduct that:(A) occurs or is attempted;(B) poses a substantial threat of personal injury or death;(C) is punishable by fine, imprisonment, or death, or would be punishable by fine, imprisonment, or death if the person engaging in the conduct possessed capacity to commit the conduct; and(D) does not arise out of the ownership, maintenance, or use of a motor vehicle, aircraft, or water vehicle, unless the conduct is intended to cause personal injury or death or the conduct is in violation of Section 545.157 or 545.401, Transportation Code, and results in bodily injury or death, or is in violation of Section 550.021, Transportation Code, or one or more of the following sections of the Penal Code:(i) Section 19.04 (manslaughter);(ii) Section 19.05 (criminally negligent homicide);(iii) Section 22.02 (aggravated assault);(iv) Section 22.05 (deadly conduct);(v) Section 49.04 (driving while intoxicated);(vi) Section 49.05 (flying while intoxicated);(vii) Section 49.06 (boating while intoxicated);(viii) Section 49.07 (intoxication assault); or(ix) Section 49.08 (intoxication manslaughter).(5) "Dependent" means:(A) a surviving spouse;(B) a person who is a dependent, within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code, of a victim; and (C) a posthumous child of a deceased victim.(6) "Household member" means an individual who resided in the same permanent household as the victim at the time that the criminally injurious conduct occurred and who is related by consanguinity or affinity to the victim.(7) "Immediate family member" means an individual who is related to a victim within the second degree by affinity or consanguinity.(8) "Intervenor" means an individual who goes to the aid of another and is killed or injured in the good faith effort to prevent criminally injurious conduct, to apprehend a person reasonably suspected of having engaged in criminally injurious conduct, or to aid a peace officer.(9) "Pecuniary loss" means the amount of expense reasonably and necessarily incurred as a result of personal injury or death for:(A) medical, hospital, nursing, or psychiatric care or counseling, or physical therapy;(B) actual loss of past earnings and anticipated loss of future earnings and necessary travel expenses because of:(i) a disability resulting from the personal injury;(ii) the receipt of medically indicated services related to the disability resulting from the personal injury; or(iii) participation in or attendance at investigative, prosecutorial, or judicial processes related to the criminally injurious conduct and participation in or attendance at any postconviction or postadjudication proceeding relating to criminally injurious conduct;(C) care of a child or dependent;(D) funeral and burial expenses, including, for an immediate family member or household member of the victim, the necessary expenses of traveling to and attending the funeral;(E) loss of support to a dependent, consistent with Article 56.41(b)(5);(F) reasonable and necessary costs of cleaning the crime scene;(G) reasonable replacement costs for clothing, bedding, or property of the victim seized as evidence or rendered unusable as a result of the criminal investigation;(H) reasonable and necessary costs, as provided by Article 56.42(d), incurred by a victim of family violence or a victim of sexual assault who is assaulted in the victim's place of residence for relocation and housing rental assistance payments;(I) for an immediate family member or household member of a deceased victim, bereavement leave of not more than 10 work days; and(J) reasonable and necessary costs of traveling to and from a place of execution for the purpose of witnessing the execution, including one night's lodging near the place at which the execution is conducted.(10) "Personal injury" means physical or mental harm.(11) "Victim" means, except as provided by Subsection (c):(A) an individual who:(i) suffers personal injury or death as a result of criminally injurious conduct or as a result of actions taken by the individual as an intervenor, if the conduct or actions occurred in this state; and(ii) is a resident of this state, another state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a possession or territory of the United States; (B) an individual who:(i) suffers personal injury or death as a result of criminally injurious conduct or as a result of actions taken by the individual as an intervenor, if the conduct or actions occurred in a state or country that does not have a crime victims' compensation program that meets the requirements of Section 1403(b), Crime Victims Compensation Act of 1984 (42 U.S.C. Section 10602(b));(ii) is a resident of this state; and(iii) would be entitled to compensation under this subchapter if the criminally injurious conduct or actions had occurred in this state; or(C) an individual who:(i) suffers personal injury or death as a result of criminally injurious conduct caused by an act of international terrorism as defined by 18 U.S.C. Section 2331 committed outside of the United States; and(ii) is a resident of this state.(12) "Family violence" has the meaning assigned by Section 71.004(1), Family Code.(13) "Victim-related services or assistance" means compensation, services, or assistance provided directly to a victim or claimant for the purpose of supporting or assisting the recovery of the victim or claimant from the consequences of criminally injurious conduct.(b) In this subchapter "claimant" does not include a service provider.

Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 805, Sec. 3, 4, eff. Aug. 30, 1993; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5.84(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 779, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Subsec. (a)(4) amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 14.27, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Subsec. (a)(8) amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 9.55, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1434, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Subsec. (a)(9) amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1470, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 1999; Subsec. (a)(9) amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 11, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Subsec. (a)(12) added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 11, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Subsec. (a)(2) amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1286, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003; Subsec. (a)(9) amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1286, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003; amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1303, Sec. 2, eff. June 21, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 66, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 728, Sec. 4.007, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1374, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.

Art. 56.33. ADMINISTRATION; RULES. (a) The attorney general shall adopt rules consistent with this subchapter governing its administration, including rules relating to the method of filing claims and the proof of entitlement to compensation and the review of health care services subject to compensation under this chapter. Subchapters A and B, Chapter 2001, Government Code, except Sections 2001.004(3) and 2001.005, apply to the attorney general.(b) The attorney general may delegate a power, duty, or responsibility given to the attorney general under this subchapter to a person in the attorney general's office.

Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5.84(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 779, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Art. 56.34. COMPENSATION. (a) The attorney general shall award compensation for pecuniary loss arising from criminally injurious conduct if the attorney general is satisfied by a preponderance of the evidence that the requirements of this subchapter are met.(b) The attorney general, shall establish whether, as a direct result of criminally injurious conduct, a claimant or victim suffered personal injury or death that resulted in a pecuniary loss for which the claimant or victim is not compensated from a collateral source.(c) The attorney general shall award compensation for health care services according to the medical fee guidelines prescribed by Subtitle A, Title 5, Labor Code.(d) The attorney general, a claimant, or a victim is not liable for health care service charges in excess of the medical fee guidelines. A health care provider shall accept compensation from the attorney general as payment in full for the charges unless an investigation of the charges by the attorney general determines that there is a reasonable health care justification for the deviation from the guidelines.(e) A claimant or victim is not liable for the balance of service charges left as a result of an adjustment of payment for the charges under Article 56.58.(f) The compensation to victims of crime fund and the compensation to victims of crime auxiliary fund are the payers of last resort.

Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5.84(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 779, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1434, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Art. 56.35. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE. If the attorney general approves an application for compensation under Article 56.41, the attorney general shall determine what type of state assistance will best aid the claimant or victim. The attorney general may do one or more of the following:(1) authorize cash payment or payments to or on behalf of a claimant or victim for pecuniary loss;(2) refer a claimant or victim to a state agency for vocational or other rehabilitative services; or(3) provide counseling services for a claimant or victim or contract with a private entity to provide counseling services.

Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5.84(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 779, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Art. 56.36. APPLICATION. (a) An applicant for compensation under this subchapter must apply in writing on a form prescribed by the attorney general.(b) An application must be verified and must contain:(1) the date on which the criminally injurious conduct occurred;(2) a description of the nature and circumstances of the criminally injurious conduct;(3) a complete financial statement, including:(A) the cost of medical care or burial expenses and the loss of wages or support the claimant or victim has incurred or will incur; and(B) the extent to which the claimant or victim has been indemnified for those expenses from a collateral source;(4) if appropriate, a statement indicating the extent of a disability resulting from the injury incurred;(5) an authorization permitting the attorney general to verify the contents of the application; and(6) other information the attorney general requires.

Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5.84(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 779, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1434, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Art. 56.37. TIME FOR FILING. (a) Except as otherwise provided by this article, a claimant or victim must file an application not later than three years from the date of the criminally injurious conduct.(b) The attorney general may extend the time for filing for good cause shown by the claimant or victim.(c) If the victim is a child, the application must be filed within three years from the date the claimant or victim is made aware of the crime but not after the child is 21 years of age.(d) If a claimant or victim presents medically documented evidence of a physical or mental incapacity that was incurred by the claimant or victim as a result of the criminally injurious conduct and that reasonably prevented the claimant or victim from filing the application within the limitations period under Subsection (a), the period of the incapacity is not included.(e) For a claim that is based on criminally injurious conduct in violation of Chapter 19, Penal Code, the claimant must file an application not later than three years after the date the identity of the victim is established by a law enforcement agency.

Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 805, Sec. 10, eff. Aug. 30, 1993; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5.84(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 779, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1434, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 496, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 716, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.

Art. 56.38. REVIEW; VERIFICATION. (a) The attorney general shall appoint a clerk to review each application for compensation under Article 56.36 to ensure the application is complete. If an application is not complete, the clerk shall return it to the claimant or victim and give a brief statement showing the additional information required. Not later than the 30th day after receiving a returned application, a claimant or victim may:(1) supply the additional information; or(2) appeal the action to the attorney general, who shall review the application to determine whether it is complete.(b) The attorney general may investigate an application.(c) Incident to the attorney general's review, verification, and hearing duties under this subchapter, the attorney general may:(1) subpoena witnesses and administer oaths to determine whether and the extent to which a claimant or victim qualifies for an award; and(2) order a claimant or victim to submit to a mental or physical examination by a physician or psychologist or order an autopsy of a deceased victim as provided by Article 56.39, if the mental, physical, or emotional condition of a claimant or victim is material to a claim.(d) On request by the attorney general and not later than the 14th business day after the date of the request, a law enforcement agency shall release to the attorney general all reports, including witness statements and criminal history record information, for the purpose of allowing the attorney general to determine whether a claimant or victim qualifies for an award and the extent of the qualification.

Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5.84(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 779, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Art. 56.385. REVIEW OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES. (a) The attorney general may review the actual or proposed health care services for which a claimant or victim seeks compensation in an application filed under Article 56.36.(b) The attorney general may not compensate a claimant or victim for health care services that the attorney general determines are not medically necessary.(c) The attorney general, a claimant, or a victim is not liable for a charge that is not medically necessary.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 779, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Art. 56.39. MENTAL OR PHYSICAL EXAMINATION; AUTOPSY. (a) An order for a mental or physical examination or an autopsy as provided by Article 56.38(c)(3) may be made for good cause shown on notice to the individual to be examined and to all persons who have appeared.(b) An order shall:(1) specify the time, place, manner, conditions, and scope of the examination or autopsy;(2) specify the person by whom the examination or autopsy is to be made; and(3) require the person making the examination or autopsy to file with the attorney general a detailed written report of the examination or autopsy.(c) A report shall set out the findings of the person making the examination or autopsy, including:(1) the results of any tests made; and(2) diagnoses, prognoses, and other conclusions and reports of earlier examinations of the same conditions.(d) On request of the individual examined, the attorney general shall furnish the individual with a copy of the report. If the victim is deceased, the attorney general on request shall furnish the claimant with a copy of the report.(e) A physician or psychologist making an examination or autopsy under this article shall be compensated from funds appropriated for the administration of this subchapter.

Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5.84(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 779, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Art. 56.40. HEARINGS. (a) The attorney general shall determine whether a hearing on an application for compensation under this subchapter is necessary.(b) If the attorney general determines that a hearing is not necessary, the attorney general may approve the application in accordance with the provisions of Article 56.41.(c) If the attorney general determines that a hearing is necessary or if the claimant or victim requests a hearing, the attorney general shall consider the application at a hearing at a time and place of the attorney general's choosing. The attorney general shall notify all interested persons not less than 10 days before the date of the hearing.(d) At the hearing the attorney general shall:(1) review the application for assistance and the report prepared under Article 56.39 and any other evidence obtained as a result of the attorney general's investigation; and(2) receive other evidence that the attorney general finds necessary or desirable to evaluate the application properly.(e) The attorney general may appoint hearing officers to conduct hearings or prehearing conferences under this subchapter.(f) A hearing or prehearing conference is open to the public unless in a particular case the hearing officer or attorney general determines that the hearing or prehearing conference or a part of it should be held in private because a criminal suspect has not been apprehended or because it is in the interest of the claimant or victim.(g) The attorney general may suspend the proceedings pending disposition of a criminal prosecution that has