MARIAH ACT
(Mandating Accountability & Responsibility In Allegations of Harm)
A BILL
To be entitled
AN ACT
relating to accountability, transparency, and balanced protection in allegations of domestic violence and other interpersonal harm.
PREAMBLE
WHEREAS, the Legislature of the State of Texas recognizes that domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of interpersonal harm cause deep and lasting trauma to victims, families, and communities; and
WHEREAS, the State bears a solemn responsibility to ensure that victims of abuse receive protection, support, and dignity throughout the reporting and judicial process; and
WHEREAS, the integrity of the justice system depends upon investigations that are thorough, impartial, and guided by the careful evaluation of all available evidence; and
WHEREAS, allegations of interpersonal harm carry profound consequences for all parties involved, and the pursuit of justice requires both the protection of victims and the preservation of due process for the accused; and
WHEREAS, modern interpersonal conflicts frequently involve digital communications, electronic records, and other forms of evidence that can provide important context to allegations and investigative findings; and
WHEREAS, law enforcement agencies, advocacy organizations, and judicial institutions must operate with transparency, accountability, and professional standards to maintain public confidence in the administration of justice; and
WHEREAS, the State of Texas has previously enacted transparency reforms, including the Michael Morton Act, to strengthen evidence disclosure and safeguard the integrity of criminal prosecutions; and
WHEREAS, improved coordination, evidence documentation, and investigative standards can protect genuine victims, reduce wrongful prosecutions, and promote confidence in the justice system; and
WHEREAS, it is in the public interest of the State of Texas to establish a statutory framework that promotes accountability, transparency, and evidence-based investigations in allegations of interpersonal harm, thereby preserving the integrity of the justice system and the dignity of all Texans; now, therefore,
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: