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 receive timely notifications if defendants violate bond conditions. The bill also emphasizes the importance of informing victims about their rights and available support services.

Significant amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure include new conditions for bond release, such as the requirement for defendants to wear GPS devices and the provision of notification software for victims. The bill introduces a victim assistance program administered by the Department of Public Safety, which will facilitate communication among victims, service providers, and law enforcement. It also mandates the collection of data on the effectiveness of GPS monitoring in reducing repeat offenses, with an annual report to the legislature. Additionally, the bill establishes a grant program to reimburse counties for monitoring costs and clarifies penalties for tampering with GPS devices. These changes are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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