S.B. No. 836 is a legislative bill designed to enhance the protection and confidentiality of victims of sex offenses, including sexual assault and sex-based human trafficking. The bill introduces provisions that prohibit the use of evidence from forensic medical examinations of victims in the investigation or prosecution of misdemeanor offenses committed by the victim. It mandates that any related property or material must be kept under seal during criminal proceedings to prevent public dissemination. Additionally, the bill establishes guidelines for evidence discovery, ensuring that while the state and the defendant have access, the victim's information remains confidential.

The bill also amends existing laws to allow victims to use pseudonyms in legal proceedings, requiring law enforcement and prosecutorial offices to maintain the confidentiality of these identities. It prohibits the electronic transmission of court proceedings involving specific offenses unless express consent is obtained from the victim, the state attorney, and the defendant. Furthermore, the bill adds a new section to the Government Code that exempts certain electronic information from public disclosure if it pertains to specific offenses and was not created by the agencies holding it. The provisions will take effect on September 1, 2025, applying only to court hearings or public information requests made after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()