SECTION 61.601. Definitions Pertaining to Relocation and Housing Rental Expenses Benefits

(a) For the limited purpose of awarding compensation for relocation and housing rental expenses pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 56.42(d)(1) and (2), the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(1) Deposits--Expenses for rental deposits are limited to property deposits and utility deposits.

(2) Domestic violence--For purposes of this subchapter the term "domestic violence" shall have the same meaning as the term "family violence" in Texas Family Code §71.004(1). "Domestic violence" refers to an act by a member of a family or household against another member of the family or household that is intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault, or that is a threat that reasonably places the member in fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault, but does not include defensive measures to protect oneself.

(3) Family--As defined in Texas Family Code §71.003, without regard to whether the following individuals reside together, the term "family" includes:

(A) individuals related by consanguinity or affinity, as determined by Texas Government Code, §573.022 and §573.024;

(B) individuals who are former spouses of each other;

(C) individuals who are the biological parents of the same child without regard to marriage; and

(D) a foster child and foster parent.

(4) Family violence--As defined in Texas Family Code §71.004(1), the term "family violence" refers to an act by a member of a family or household against another member of the family or household that is intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault, or that is a threat that reasonably places the member in fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault, but does not include defensive measures to protect oneself.

(5) Household--As defined in Texas Family Code §71.005, the term "household" means a unit composed of persons living together in the same dwelling, without regard to whether they are related to each other.

(6) Member of a household--As defined by the Texas Family Code, §71.006, the term "member of a household" includes a person who previously lived in the household.

(7) Place of Residence--The term means a victim's dwelling, the property under the dwelling, and all other areas and structures on the property under the control of the owner of the property.

(8) Trafficking of Persons--As defined by Texas Code Criminal Procedure Article 56.32(a)(14), means any offense that results in a person engaging in forced labor or services and that may be prosecuted under Texas Penal Code §§20A.02, 20A.03, 43.03, 43.04, 43.05, 43.25, 43.251, or 43.26.

(9) Utility connections--Expenses for utility connections are limited to those associated with establishing service for gas, electricity, water, internet, home security, television, and one telephone land line connection.

(b) The definitions in this subchapter will be given their most ordinary meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, in accordance with Texas Government Code §312.002(a).

Source Note: The provisions of this §61.601 adopted to be effective December 15, 2002, 27 TexReg 11513; amended to be effective November 14, 2007, 32 TexReg 8119; amended to be effective October 30, 2014, 39 TexReg 8373