The Sharon Radebaugh Family Violence Protection Act aims to enhance the monitoring of family violence offenders and provide essential resources for victims. The bill establishes a global positioning monitoring system (GPS) for high-risk offenders, requiring magistrates to impose specific conditions on defendants charged with family violence offenses. Key provisions include mandating that defendants wear monitoring devices if they pose a continuing threat to victims and ensuring that victims are informed about their rights and the operation of the monitoring system. The legislation emphasizes victim safety and seeks to prevent further acts of family violence through enhanced monitoring measures.

Significant amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure include new conditions for bond release, such as the mandatory use of GPS monitoring for certain defendants. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of magistrates in notifying law enforcement and victims about violations of bond conditions. It introduces a victim assistance program within the Department of Public Safety, mandates data collection on the effectiveness of GPS monitoring, and establishes a grant program to reimburse counties for monitoring costs. Additionally, penalties are introduced for individuals who tamper with their monitoring devices. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to cases and offenses occurring after this date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 85.022, Government Code 411.042, Government Code 411.0845, Government Code 772.0077, Penal Code 38.112 (Penal Code 38, Government Code 411, Family Code 85, Government Code 772)
House Committee Report: Family Code 85.022, Government Code 411.042, Government Code 411.0845, Government Code 772.0077, Penal Code 38.112 (Penal Code 38, Government Code 411, Family Code 85, Government Code 772)
Engrossed: Family Code 85.022, Government Code 411.042, Government Code 411.0845, Government Code 772.0077, Penal Code 38.112 (Penal Code 38, Government Code 411, Family Code 85, Government Code 772)