Sec. 51.285. VICTIM REQUEST NOT TO INVESTIGATE. (a) If an alleged victim of an incident of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking reported to a postsecondary educational institution requests the institution not to investigate the alleged incident, the institution may investigate the alleged incident in a manner that complies with the confidentiality requirements under Section 51.291. In determining whether to investigate the alleged incident, the institution shall consider:

(1) the seriousness of the alleged incident;

(2) whether the institution has received other reports of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking committed by the alleged perpetrator or perpetrators;

(3) whether the alleged incident poses a risk of harm to others; and

(4) any other factors the institution determines relevant.

(b) If a postsecondary educational institution decides not to investigate an alleged incident of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking based on the alleged victim's request not to investigate, the institution shall take any steps the institution determines necessary to protect the health and safety of the institution's community in relation to the alleged incident.

(c) A postsecondary educational institution shall inform an alleged victim of an incident of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking who requests the institution not to investigate the alleged incident of the institution's decision whether to investigate the alleged incident.

Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1078 (H.B. 1735), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.