Another Win–Anti-Male Texas DV Bill Dies
Background: In my April column “Texas bill to create domestic violence offender registry will harm innocent men” (Austin American-Statesman, 4/11/07), I explained that Texas HB 3958 will ensnare and punish many innocent men. This is in part because of the problems with the way Texas law enforcement and the judicial system handle domestic violence. The bill was passed the Corrections Committee of the Texas House by a unanimous vote in early May.
According to Andrea Haughton, Legislative Aide to Representative Gary Elkins, “HB 3958 died.” The deadline for house bills to be considered in second reading on the floor passed without the bill being considered.Â
I’m not sure what factors led to the bill’s demise but will update you if I learn more. My column on the bill is reprinted below.
Texas bill to create domestic violence offender registry will harm innocent
men
By Mike McCormick and Glenn Sacks
Austin American-Statesman, 4/11/07
House Bill 3958, sponsored by Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-San Antonio), will set up a domestic violence offender registry similar to the Texas Sex Offender Registry. Castro is correct to identify domestic violence as an important issue; however, there are serious problems with the way law enforcement and the judicial system handle domestic violence. These problems will cause many innocent men to be ensnared by this bill.
HB 3958 would set up a central database containing information on anyone who has been convicted or “received a grant of deferred adjudication” for a family violence offense on three occasions. The three conviction requirement is defensible, but the inclusion of deferred adjudications — which are analogous to plea bargains — is a major problem. (more…)
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