Highlights 77th Texas Legislature - Senate

___________________S TATE
FFAIRS/GeneralGeneral
TATE AFFAIRS
77 th Texas Legislature
Provides that the owner of property may redeem the property from any purchaser at a sale foreclosing an
association's assessment lien not later than the 180th day after the date the association mails written notice
of the sale to the owner. Sets out what an owner must do to redeem the property, what the owner must
pay, and other procedures and notices regarding the right of redemption. These redemption rights of a
owner also apply if the sale of the property is conducted by a constable or sheriff as provided by a
judgment obtained by the property owners' association.
Benefits for Certain Disabled Peace Officers - S.B. 850
by Senators Barrientos and Bernsen
House Sponsor: Representative Tillery
Entitles a peace officer, employed by the state or a local government entity in this state, who sustains a
permanently incapacitating injury as a result of criminally injurious conduct on or after September 1, 1989,
in the performance of the officer’s duties, to receive an annual payment, paid from the compensation to
crime victims fund and not to exceed a total of $200,000.
Increased Compensation to Crime Victims for Certain Pecuniary Losses - S.B. 1202
by Senators Zaffirini and Barrientos
House Sponsor: Representative Gallego
Increases from $50,000 to $75,000 the amount an attorney general may award to certain victims of crime
for extraordinary pecuniary losses, for lost wages, and reasonable and necessary costs for services related
to a total and permanent disability.
Adds durable medical equipment, rehabilitation technology, and long-term medical expenses incurred as a
result of medically indicated treatment for the personal injury to the list of things for which a person may be
awarded compensation.
Missing Persons DNA Database - S.B. 1304
by Senator Harris
House Sponsor: Representative Geren
DNA analysis technology is a valuable tool to help law enforcement agencies in criminal cases involving
missing persons and children. Currently, no facility in Texas provides both DNA analysis and an
established DNA database for the sole purpose of assisting law enforcement agencies and other
individuals in criminal cases involving an unidentified deceased person or a high-risk missing person.
Establishes a DNA database at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth for all
cases involving the report of an unidentified deceased person or a high-risk missing person.
Provides for criminal and civil penalties for violations of destruction of samples or confidentiality
requirements.
Senate Research Center 274