H.B. No. 47 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to enhance the rights of victims of sexual assault and other sex offenses. The bill expands the definition of "victim" to include individuals under 17 years of age and those involved in family violence cases. It establishes specific rights for victims, guardians, and close relatives, including the right to protection from harm, notification about court proceedings, and the opportunity to provide input during sentencing. A significant provision of the bill ensures victims are compensated for forensic medical examinations and any prescribed continuing medical care related to the assault within 30 days of the examination. Additionally, the bill mandates that law enforcement agencies inform victims about their rights and the status of their cases, while also providing for the reimbursement of healthcare providers conducting these examinations.

The bill further amends various sections of 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 their validity from two to three years, and requires emergency department staff to receive at least one hour of training on sexual assault response. New documentation requirements for tenants experiencing certain sexual offenses are introduced, necessitating proof from licensed healthcare and mental health providers. The bill also repeals Section 323.005(d) of the Health and Safety Code. Importantly, the changes will apply only to offenses reported or for which medical care is sought after the effective date of the Act, September 1, 2025, with the Texas Medical Board and Texas Physician Assistant Board responsible for implementing necessary rules 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 (Local Government Code 351, Health and Safety Code 323, Family Code 57, Subchapter J, Chapter , Local Government Code 772, Occupations Code 156, Occupations Code 2402, Property Code 92, Government Code 420)
House Committee Report: 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 (Local Government Code 351, Health and Safety Code 323, Family Code 57, Subchapter J, Chapter , Local Government Code 772, Occupations Code 156, Occupations Code 2402, Property Code 92, Government Code 420)
Engrossed: 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 (Local Government Code 351, Health and Safety Code 323, Family Code 57, Subchapter J, Chapter , Local Government Code 772, Occupations Code 156, Occupations Code 2402, Property Code 92, Government Code 420)
Senate Committee Report: 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 (Local Government Code 351, Health and Safety Code 323, Family Code 57, Subchapter J, Chapter , Local Government Code 772, Occupations Code 156, Occupations Code 2402, Property Code 92, Government Code 420)
Enrolled: 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 (Local Government Code 351, Health and Safety Code 323, Family Code 57, Subchapter J, Chapter , Local Government Code 772, Occupations Code 156, Occupations Code 2402, Property Code 92, Government Code 420)