Bill Text: TX HB825 | 2023-2024 | 88th Legislature | Introduced


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) 2023-03-01 - Referred to Criminal Jurisprudence [HB825 Detail]

Download: Texas-2023-HB825-Introduced.html
  88R4105 SHH-F
 
  By: Gervin-Hawkins H.B. No. 825
 
 
 
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, 2023.
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