Art. 56A.352.  REPRESENTATIVE PROVIDED BY PENAL INSTITUTION.  (a)  In this article, "penal institution" has the meaning assigned by Section 1.07, Penal Code.
(b)  If a victim alleging to have sustained injuries as the victim of a sexual assault was confined in a penal institution at the time of the alleged assault, the penal institution shall provide, at the victim's request, a representative to be present with the victim:
(1)  at any forensic medical examination conducted for the purpose of collecting and preserving evidence related to the investigation or prosecution of the alleged assault; and
(2)  during an investigative interview conducted by a peace officer in relation to the investigation of the alleged assault.
(b-1)  The representative provided by the penal institution under Subsection (b) must:
(1)  be approved by the penal institution; and
(2)  be a:
(A)  psychologist;
(B)  sociologist;
(C)  chaplain;
(D)  social worker;
(E)  case manager; or
(F)  volunteer who has completed a sexual assault training program described by Section 420.011(b), Government Code.
(c)  A representative may only provide the victim with:
(1)  counseling and other support services; and
(2)  information regarding the rights of crime victims under Subchapter B.
(d)  A representative may not delay or otherwise impede:
(1)  the screening or stabilization of an emergency medical condition; or
(2)  the interview process.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 469 (H.B. 4173), Sec. 1.05, eff. January 1, 2021.
Amended by: 
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 649 (H.B. 1172), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2021.