Bill Text: TX SB12 | 2013-2014 | 83rd Legislature | Enrolled


Bill Title: Relating to the admissibility of evidence of other similar offenses in the prosecution of certain sexual offenses.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 2-0)

Status: (Passed) 2013-06-14 - Effective on 9/1/13 [SB12 Detail]

Download: Texas-2013-SB12-Enrolled.html
 
 
  S.B. No. 12
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to the admissibility of evidence of other similar offenses
  in the prosecution of certain sexual offenses.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Article 38.37, Code of Criminal Procedure, is
  amended by amending Sections 1, 2, and 3 and adding Section 2-a to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 1.  (a)  Subsection (b) [This article] applies to a
  proceeding in the prosecution of a defendant for an offense, or an
  attempt or conspiracy to commit an offense, under the following
  provisions of the Penal Code:
               (1)  if committed against a child under 17 years of age:
                     (A)  Chapter 21 (Sexual Offenses);
                     (B)  Chapter 22 (Assaultive Offenses); or
                     (C)  Section 25.02 (Prohibited Sexual Conduct);
  or
               (2)  if committed against a person younger than 18
  years of age:
                     (A)  Section 43.25 (Sexual Performance by a
  Child);
                     (B)  Section 20A.02(a)(7) or (8); or
                     (C)  Section 43.05(a)(2) (Compelling
  Prostitution).
         (b) [Sec. 2.]  Notwithstanding Rules 404 and 405, Texas
  Rules of Evidence, evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts
  committed by the defendant against the child who is the victim of
  the alleged offense shall be admitted for its bearing on relevant
  matters, including:
               (1)  the state of mind of the defendant and the child;
  and
               (2)  the previous and subsequent relationship between
  the defendant and the child.
         Sec. 2.  (a)  Subsection (b) applies only to the trial of a
  defendant for:
               (1)  an offense under any of the following provisions
  of the Penal Code:
                     (A)  Section 20A.02, if punishable as a felony of
  the first degree under Section 20A.02(b)(1) (Sex Trafficking of a
  Child);
                     (B)  Section 21.02 (Continuous Sexual Abuse of
  Young Child or Children);
                     (C)  Section 21.11 (Indecency With a Child);
                     (D)  Section 22.011(a)(2) (Sexual Assault of a
  Child);
                     (E)  Sections 22.021(a)(1)(B) and (2) (Aggravated
  Sexual Assault of a Child);
                     (F)  Section 33.021 (Online Solicitation of a
  Minor);
                     (G)  Section 43.25 (Sexual Performance by a
  Child); or
                     (H)  Section 43.26 (Possession or Promotion of
  Child Pornography), Penal Code; or
               (2)  an attempt or conspiracy to commit an offense
  described by Subdivision (1).
         (b)  Notwithstanding Rules 404 and 405, Texas Rules of
  Evidence, and subject to Section 2-a, evidence that the defendant
  has committed a separate offense described by Subsection (a)(1) or
  (2) may be admitted in the trial of an alleged offense described by
  Subsection (a)(1) or (2) for any bearing the evidence has on
  relevant matters, including the character of the defendant and acts
  performed in conformity with the character of the defendant.
         Sec. 2-a.  Before evidence described by Section 2 may be
  introduced, the trial judge must:
               (1)  determine that the evidence likely to be admitted
  at trial will be adequate to support a finding by the jury that the
  defendant committed the separate offense beyond a reasonable doubt;
  and
               (2)  conduct a hearing out of the presence of the jury
  for that purpose.
         Sec. 3.  The [On timely request by the defendant, the] state
  shall give the defendant notice of the state's intent to introduce
  in the case in chief evidence described by Section 1 or 2 not later
  than the 30th day before the date of the defendant's trial [in the
  same manner as the state is required to give notice under Rule
  404(b), Texas Rules of Evidence].
         SECTION 2.  The change in law made by this Act applies to the
  admissibility of evidence in a criminal proceeding that commences
  on or after the effective date of this Act.  The admissibility of
  evidence in a criminal proceeding that commences before the
  effective date of this Act is covered by the law in effect when the
  proceeding commenced, and the former law is continued in effect for
  that purpose.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.
 
 
 
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
         I hereby certify that S.B. No. 12 passed the Senate on
  March 26, 2013, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.
 
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate    
 
         I hereby certify that S.B. No. 12 passed the House on
  May 17, 2013, by the following vote:  Yeas 135, Nays 4, two
  present not voting.
 
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
 
 
  Approved:
 
  ______________________________ 
              Date
 
 
  ______________________________ 
            Governor
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