HB 3343
AN ACT relating to the duties of peace officers investigating a family
89th Regular Session
Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended
Awaiting Committee Assignment
Bill filed, pending referral to House committee
Committee
Not yet assigned
Fiscal Note
Not available
What This Bill Does
Requires peace officers investigating family violence allegations to physically separate potential victims and suspects during interviews to prevent intimidation. Officers must, when practicable, prevent eye contact, place individuals in separate rooms, and ensure the suspect cannot verbally communicate with or influence the victim while statements are being made. This aims to protect victims by creating a safe environment for them to provide statements and evidence without fear of retaliation or manipulation from the alleged perpetrator.
Subject Areas
Bill Text
relating to the duties of peace officers investigating a family violence allegation or responding to a disturbance call that may BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Article 5.04, Code of Criminal Procedure, is amended by adding Subsection (c) to read as follows: (c) A peace officer who investigates a family violence allegation or responds to a disturbance call that may involve family violence shall, to the extent practicable under the circumstances, physically separate the individuals at the scene and conduct an interview of the potential victim in a manner that prevents the suspect from intimidating the victim while the victim is providing statements and other evidence to the investigating peace officer, including, as practicable, by: (1) preventing the suspect from being able to make eye contact with the victim or make any other nonverbal communication (2) placing the suspect and victim into separate rooms, if both are detained indoors; and (3) preventing the suspect from making verbal communications to the victim by: (A) placing the suspect at a distance from the victim at which speech is not likely to be overheard or SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Bill History
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to the duties of peace officers investigating a family
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