Bill Text: TX HB717 | 2021-2022 | 87th Legislature | Introduced

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Bill Title: Relating to the corroboration of certain testimony in the prosecution of a trafficking of persons offense.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2021-03-01 - Referred to Criminal Jurisprudence [HB717 Detail]

Download: Texas-2021-HB717-Introduced.html

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87R3555 MAW-F
By: Gervin-Hawkins H.B. No. 717

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the corroboration of certain testimony in the
prosecution of a trafficking of persons offense.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 20A.04, Penal Code, is amended by
amending Subsection (c) and adding Subsection (d) to read as
follows:
(c) Except as provided by Subsection (d), a [A] conviction
under this chapter may be had on the uncorroborated testimony of a
party to the offense.
(d) On request of the defendant or attorney representing the
state, the court shall hold a hearing regarding whether the
testimony of the party must be corroborated as required by Article
38.14, Code of Criminal Procedure. If the court determines that the
party providing the testimony was a willing participant in the
offense, the court shall instruct the jury in accordance with
Article 38.14, Code of Criminal Procedure.
SECTION 2. Section 20A.04, Penal Code, as amended by this
Act, applies only to a trial that begins on or after the effective
date of this Act, regardless of whether the alleged offense was
committed before, on, or after that date.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.