On May 20, 2025, the Texas Senate Committee on Criminal Justice convened to discuss a range of legislative bills, with a significant focus on House Bill 47, which addresses critical issues surrounding sexual assault and survivor support. The meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to enhance legal protections for survivors and improve the state's response to sexual violence.

House Bill 47, presented by Senator Zaffirini, is an omnibus bill that consolidates recommendations from the Governor's Sexual Assault Survivors Task Force. This task force was established in 2019 to create a survivor-centered, trauma-informed approach to handling sexual violence cases in Texas. The bill aims to close major gaps in current laws that leave survivors vulnerable. For instance, it proposes allowing survivors to terminate leases regardless of where the assault occurred, prohibiting registered sex offenders from working as rideshare drivers, and ensuring that courts consider the impact of case delays on adult survivors, not just child victims.

Additionally, the bill seeks to expand post-assault healthcare, mandating follow-up care for up to 30 days, and requires sexual assault response teams to report data biannually to county commissioners. These measures are designed to enhance safety, strengthen legal protections, and ensure a more effective statewide response to sexual violence.

Nicole Martinez, administrator for the Governor's Sexual Assault Survivors Task Force, provided testimony supporting the bill. She emphasized the task force's role in developing policy recommendations aimed at improving the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault cases, as well as enhancing data collection and reporting standards.

The committee's discussions reflect a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive reforms to support survivors of sexual violence in Texas. As the legislative session progresses, the implications of House Bill 47 could lead to significant changes in how the state addresses these critical issues, ultimately aiming to create a safer environment for all Texans. The committee's next steps will involve further testimony and deliberation on the proposed legislation.