GOVERNMENT CODE

TITLE 2. JUDICIAL BRANCH

SUBTITLE K-1. SPECIALTY COURTS FOR VICTIM SERVICES

CHAPTER 141. SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIM SERVICES COURT PROGRAM

Sec. 141.001. SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIM SERVICES COURT PROGRAM DEFINED. In this chapter, "sexual assault victim services court program" means a program that has the following essential characteristics:

(1) the integration of services provided by public agencies and community organizations for victims in sexual assault cases who voluntarily agree to participate in the program;

(2) the use of prosecutors with experience in prosecuting sexual assault cases and judges with experience in hearing sexual assault cases;

(3) early identification and prompt assignment of eligible cases to the court designated under Section 141.002(b);

(4) access for victims participating in the program to counseling and other related services provided by public agencies and community organizations;

(5) development of partnerships with public agencies and community organizations;

(6) monitoring and evaluation of program goals and effectiveness;

(7) continuing interdisciplinary education to promote effective program planning, implementation, and operations;

(8) inclusion of a participant's family members who voluntarily agree to be involved in the services provided to the participant under the program;

(9) prosecution of sexual assault offenses;

(10) issuance of protective orders for victims on the victim's consent and as authorized by state law; and

(11) continued monitoring of sexual assault defendants through prosecution and adjudication and for the duration of convicted offenders' sentences.

Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 669 (H.B. 1706), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2021.