Tex.
Code of Crim. Proc. Article 56A.352
Representative Provided by Penal Institution
(a)
In this article, “penal institution” has the meaning assigned by Section 1.07 (Definitions), Penal Code.(b)
If a victim alleging to have sustained injuries as the victim of a sexual assault was confined in a penal institution at the time of the alleged assault, the penal institution shall provide, at the victim’s request, a representative to be present with the victim:(1)
at any forensic medical examination conducted for the purpose of collecting and preserving evidence related to the investigation or prosecution of the alleged assault; and(2)
during an investigative interview conducted by a peace officer in relation to the investigation of the alleged assault.(b-1)
The representative provided by the penal institution under Subsection (b) must:(1)
be approved by the penal institution; and(2)
be a:(A)
psychologist;(B)
sociologist;(C)
chaplain;(D)
social worker;(E)
case manager; or(F)
volunteer who has completed a sexual assault training program described by Section 420.011 (Certification by Attorney General; Rules)(b), Government Code.(c)
A representative may only provide the victim with:(1)
counseling and other support services; and(2)
information regarding the rights of crime victims under Subchapter B.(d)
A representative may not delay or otherwise impede:(1)
the screening or stabilization of an emergency medical condition; or(2)
the interview process.
Source:
Article 56A.352 — Representative Provided by Penal Institution, https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/htm/CR.56A.htm#56A.352 (accessed May 26, 2025).
