The Texas Legislature and U.S. Congress are both working to do more on curbing domestic violence.
In the 84th Texas Legislative Session 5 bills have been presented:
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HB 222 - Relating to the offense of continuous violence against the family.
HB 368 - Relating to the duties of a peace officer investigating a family violence allegation or responding to a disturbance call that may involve family violence and then admissibility of certain evidence obtained during that investigation or response.
HB 388 - Relating to the duration of protective orders issued in cases of family violence against persons who are subsequently confined or imprisoned.
HB 808 - Relating to the establishment of a statewide task force to address sexual assault occurring on the campuses of public and private institutions of higher education.
SB 59 - Relating to exempting the procurement of services for victims of family violence from competitive bidding requirements.
The following bills have been presented by Congress:
H.R. 67 Safety Plan Grant Program Act of 2015 - To establish a grant program to empower relatives, friends, and co-workers of domestic violence victims to create safety plans.
H.R. 64 Candace's Law - Directs a state to provide by law enhanced sentencing requirements for persons convicted of committing, or attempting to commit, an act of domestic violence in the presence of minor children. Prohibits a state that fails within two years to implement this Act substantially from receiving 20% of the funds that would otherwise be allocated to it for the fiscal year under the Violence Against Women Act of 2000. Allows for reasonable alternative procedures or accommodations for compliance by a state that is unable to implement this Act substantially because of a conflict with the state constitution.
H.R. 67 Domestic Violence Safety Plan Grant Program Act of 2015 - Directs the Attorney General to establish a program to award grants to eligible state and local governments, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations to develop, promote, and teach the importance of the critical role that can be played by relatives, friends, and co-workers in combatting domestic violence.