Bowers Bill Requires GPS Ankle Trackers That Wearers Pay For

The text as introduced · 670 words

By: Bowers
H.B. No. 1824

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

related to monitoring domestic violence offenders through advanced

tracking systems to enhance victim safety.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as the Sharon Radebaugh

Domestic Violence Protection Act

SECTION 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE (a) The Legislature finds

that domestic violence remains a critical issue affecting the

safety and well-being of Texas residents. One in four women and one

in seven men in the United States experience domestic violence. (b)

The purpose of this Act is to strengthen the monitoring of domestic

violence offenders, implement GPS tracking systems for high-risk

offenders, enhance victim safety, and prevent further abuse.

SECTION 3. AMENDMENT TO TEXAS CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE

(a) Chapter 17, Code of Criminal Procedure, is amended by adding

Article 17.2925 as follows:

Art. 17.2925. ELECTRONIC MONITORING OF HIGH-RISK DOMESTIC

VIOLENCE OFFENDERS (1) A court shall require any individual

released on bond for an offense involving family violence, as

defined under Section 71.004, Family Code, to be monitored by a GPS

tracking device if the court determines the defendant poses a

continuing threat to the victim. (2) High-risk offenders shall be

defined as those with a history of violent behavior, use of

firearms, prior violations of protective orders, or threats of harm

to the victim. (3) The electronic monitoring system must provide

real-time tracking and include automatic alerts to the victim, law

enforcement, and a designated monitoring center if the offender

enters a prohibited zone established by the court. (4) The offender

shall bear the cost of the electronic monitoring system unless the

court determines that the offender is indigent, in which case a

state-funded victim assistance program shall cover the cost.

SECTION 4. AMENDMENT TO TEXAS FAMILY CODE (a) Section

85.022, Family Code, is amended by adding Subsection (d):

(d) The court issuing a protective order under this section shall

require the respondent to wear a GPS tracking device for the

duration of the order if the respondent has been convicted of

domestic violence within the past five years or is deemed by the

court to pose a significant risk to the victim. The respondent shall

be prohibited from entering exclusion zones established in the

order, including the victim's home, workplace, or school.

SECTION 5. VICTIM NOTIFICATION AND PROTECTIONS (a) Victims

shall be notified through an electronic device (e.g., smartphone

app, text message, or email) when an offender breaches an exclusion

zone or violates the terms of a protection order. (b) The Department

of Public Safety (DPS) shall establish a victim assistance program

to provide immediate resources to victims notified of an offender's

violation, including emergency shelters and direct communication

with law enforcement. (c) The identity and location of the victim

shall remain confidential, and no information shall be provided to

the offender regarding the victim's whereabouts unless legally

required.

SECTION 6. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

MONITORING PROGRAM (a) The DPS shall establish a Domestic Violence

Monitoring Program to: (1) Oversee compliance with electronic

monitoring requirements; (2) Ensure coordination between local law

enforcement and victim services; (3) Maintain a database of

domestic violence offenders subject to electronic monitoring; (4)

Provide annual reports to the Legislature on the effectiveness of

electronic monitoring in reducing repeat offenses.

SECTION 7. FUNDING (a) The Legislature shall appropriate

necessary funds to support the implementation of this Act,

including costs associated with GPS monitoring, law enforcement

training, and victim assistance services. (b) Fees may be assessed

to offenders to offset the cost of monitoring equipment. In cases of

financial hardship, the state shall ensure access to monitoring for

all victims in need.

SECTION 8. ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES (a) Any offender who

removes, tampers with, or disables a GPS tracking device shall be

subject to immediate arrest and revocation of bond or parole. (b)

Law enforcement agencies must respond immediately to GPS violation

alerts and take appropriate action to protect the victim.

SECTION 9. EFFECTIVE DATE This Act takes effect September

1, 2025.