Texas § GV.498.0042 - FORFEITURE FOR CONTACTING VICTIMS
Full text of Texas The Texas Constitution § GV.498.0042 — FORFEITURE FOR CONTACTING VICTIMS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ GV.498.0042. FORFEITURE FOR CONTACTING VICTIMS
FORFEITURE FOR CONTACTING VICTIMS. (a) The department shall adopt policies that prohibit an inmate in the institutional division from contacting by letter, telephone, or any other means, either directly or indirectly, a victim of the offense for which the inmate is serving a sentence or a member of the victim's family, if: (1) the victim was younger than 17 years of age at the time of the commission of the offense; and (2) the department has not, before the inmate makes contact: (A) received written consent to the contact from: (i) a parent of the victim or the member of the victim's family, other than the inmate; (ii) a legal guardian of the victim or the member of the victim's family; or (iii) the victim or the member of the victim's family, if the victim is 17 years of age or older at the time of giving the consent; and (B) provided the inmate with a copy of the consent. (b) If, during the actual term of imprisonment of an inmate in the institutional division, the inmate violates a policy adopted under Subsection (a) or an order entered under Article 42.24 , Code of Criminal Procedure, the department shall forfeit all or any part of the inmate's accrued good conduct time. The department may not restore good conduct time forfeited under this subsection. (c) In this section, "family" has the meaning assigned by Section 71.003 , Family Code. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 666, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 670, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Amended by: Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 491 (H.B. 1028 ), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2011. Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 126 (H.B. 719 ), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2021.
Source: official Texas text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas § GV.498.0042
What does The Texas Constitution § GV.498.0042 cover?
Section GV.498.0042 ("FORFEITURE FOR CONTACTING VICTIMS") is part of the The Texas Constitution, the codified statutory law of Texas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Texas § GV.498.0042?
A common citation format is "The Texas Constitution § GV.498.0042" (Texas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Texas law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Texas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Texas attorney.
How does Texas § GV.498.0042 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Texas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Texas.