SB 761 Texas Senate · 89th Legislature (2025)

Relating to the offense of sexual assault and to the rights of crime victims, including the enforcement of certain rights of sexual assault victims; authorizing a civil penalty.

SB 761 strengthens rights for sexual assault victims and their families in Texas criminal proceedings. It requires prosecutors to notify victims (or their guardians/close relatives) at least five business days before court hearings about plea bargain terms and to consult with them regarding case dispositions. The bill also mandates courts to confirm victims received impact statements and ensures victims receive timely updates about court proceedings and appeals. These changes apply directly to sexual assault victims, their families, and the criminal justice system, with a civil penalty authorized for violations. The law became effective September 1, 2025.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
May 2025
Senate Passage
May 2025
House Passage
May 2025
Signed into Law
May 2025
Introduced Jan 10, 2025 Signed May 27, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

Engrossed Enrolled · 6 edits · May 27, 2025
MODERATE
This bill updates Texas criminal procedure laws to strengthen victim rights, particularly for sexual assault victims. It adds new protections for minors and victims of family violence, expands notification requirements, and clarifies procedures for victim advocates during forensic examinations and interviews.
Scope change
The bill's scope was expanded to include specific protections for victims under 17 years of age and victims of family violence, which were not explicitly detailed in the previous version.
ELIGIBILITY

Added specific protections for victims under 17 years of age and victims of family violence, including consideration of continuance impacts on the victim.

REQUIREMENT

Added requirements for documenting whether advocates were offered to victims during forensic medical examinations, including reasons if the offer was not extended.

Added the right for victims to have an attorney present during investigative interviews, provided the attorney does not unreasonably delay the process.

Modified notification requirements to include more detailed information about victim rights, compensation, and assistance resources.

DEFINITION

Added clarification that 'health care facility' includes hospitals licensed under Chapter 241 of the Health and Safety Code.

TIMELINE

Added effective date of September 1, 2025, for the changes made by this Act.

Floor votes · House May 9, 2025

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
54
Key actions
18
Committee
9
Amendments
9
May 27, 2025
Signed into law
Signed by the Governor
executive
May 15, 2025
Lower · Passed
Signed in the House
lower
May 15, 2025
Upper · Passed
Signed in the Senate
upper
May 14, 2025
Introduced
Senate concurs in House amendment(s)-reported
lower
May 14, 2025
Introduced
Senate concurs in House amendment(s)
upper
May 14, 2025
Introduced
House amendment(s) laid before the Senate
upper
May 12, 2025
Upper · Passed
House passage as amended reported
upper
May 10, 2025
Lower · Passed
Passed
lower
May 10, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee report sent to Calendars
lower
May 9, 2025
Lower · Passed
Passed to 3rd reading as amended
lower
May 9, 2025
Lower · Passed
Amended
lower
May 9, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee report distributed
lower
May 9, 2025
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (135-1-10)
house
May 8, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported favorably w/o amendment(s)
lower
Apr 9, 2025
Committee
Referred to Criminal Jurisprudence
lower
Apr 9, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
lower
Mar 27, 2025
Introduced
Received from the Senate
lower
Mar 26, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed
upper
Mar 26, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed to engrossment as amended
upper
Mar 26, 2025
Upper · Passed
Amended
upper
Mar 26, 2025
Introduced
Amendment(s) offered
upper
Mar 19, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee report printed and distributed
upper
Mar 19, 2025
Upper · Passed
Reported favorably as substituted
upper
Mar 18, 2025
Upper · Passed
Vote taken in committee
upper
Mar 18, 2025
Upper · Passed
Testimony taken in committee
upper
Feb 7, 2025
Committee
Referred to Criminal Justice
upper
Feb 7, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
upper
3 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors