H.B. No. 3074 amends various articles in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure to enhance the rights and protections of victims of sexual assault and related offenses. The bill broadens the definition of "victim" to include individuals under 17 years of age and those involved in family violence. It expands victims' rights to include receiving information about compensation for forensic medical examinations and ongoing medical care within 30 days post-examination. Additionally, it ensures that victims are informed of their rights within the criminal justice system, including participation in the parole process and the opportunity to provide input during sentencing. The bill also mandates protections for victims during court proceedings, such as separate waiting areas to minimize contact with defendants.

Furthermore, the bill introduces amendments to the Government Code, Health and Safety Code, and Occupations Code to improve support for sexual assault survivors. It establishes minimum standards for the certification and training of sexual assault nurse examiners, extending certification validity from two to three years, and requires emergency department staff to receive at least one hour of basic sexual assault response training. New information forms for survivors must include contact details for legal aid and post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV. The bill also clarifies documentation requirements for tenants experiencing certain sexual offenses, removing the stipulation that documentation must be provided on the premises. The changes will apply only to offenses reported or for which medical care is sought after the effective date of September 1, 2025, with implementation rules to be adopted by June 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 57.002, Government Code 420.011, Health and Safety Code 323.0046, Health and Safety Code 323.005, Health and Safety Code 323.0051, Health and Safety Code 323.0052, Health and Safety Code 323.053, Local Government Code 351.257, Subchapter J, Chapter , Local Government Code 772.0064, Occupations Code 156.057, Occupations Code 2402.107, Property Code 92.0161 (Occupations Code 156, Subchapter J, Chapter , Local Government Code 772, Occupations Code 2402, Property Code 92, Health and Safety Code 323, Local Government Code 351, Government Code 420, Family Code 57)