Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1569

Caption

Relating to prostitution and the trafficking of persons, civil racketeering related to trafficking, the prosecution of and punishment for certain sexual offenses and offenses involving or related to trafficking, reimbursement of certain costs for criminal victims who are children, and the release and reporting of certain information relating to a child; increasing a criminal penalty; creating a criminal offense.

Impact

The implementation of SB1569 could significantly impact criminal statutes related to sexual offenses and human trafficking within Texas. By amending existing laws to impose harsher penalties and establish new criminal offenses, the bill seeks to provide law enforcement agencies with greater tools to combat trafficking. It also places emphasis on the need for civil remedies related to human trafficking, aimed at supporting victims and restitution. Additionally, changes in law could facilitate the prosecution of those engaging in racketeering activities connected with trafficking operations.

Summary

SB1569, introduced in the Texas Legislature, focuses on addressing the serious issues of prostitution, human trafficking, and related sexual offenses. The bill aims to enhance the prosecution and punishment for such crimes, particularly targeting offenses involving minors. Notably, it introduces increased criminal penalties for those who engage in prostitution with individuals younger than 18 years, regardless of whether the offender knows the age of the victim at the time of the offense. This change reflects a strong commitment to protecting children from exploitation and trafficking.

Contention

While the intent of SB1569 is largely seen as protective for victims, there may be contention regarding the implications for individuals engaged in prostitution due to social and economic circumstances. Critics of the bill might argue that increasing penalties could further criminalize vulnerable populations rather than provide supportive services. However, supporters argue that the bill is necessary for deterrence and for establishing a strong state response to trafficking and exploitation. Balancing the enforcement of penalties with appropriate resources for victim assistance and rehabilitation remains a key point of discussion.

Companion Bills

TX HB29

Relating to prostitution and the trafficking of persons, civil racketeering related to trafficking, the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of and punishment for certain sexual offenses and offenses involving or related to trafficking, reimbursement of certain costs for criminal victims who are children, and the release and reporting of certain information relating to a child; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1527

Relating to human trafficking, including the prosecution and punishment of compelling and solicitation of prostitution and other sexual or assaultive offenses; increasing a criminal penalty; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB3451

Relating to human trafficking, including the prosecution and punishment of compelling and solicitation of prostitution and other sexual or assaultive offenses; increasing a criminal penalty; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB4635

Relating to organized crime, racketeering activities, and collection of unlawful debts; providing a civil penalty; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB1004

Relating to the prosecution of the offenses of trafficking of persons and compelling prostitution and to certain consequences of those offenses.

TX SB1788

Relating to organized crime, racketeering activities, and collection of unlawful debts; providing a civil penalty; creating criminal offenses.

TX SB722

Relating to the prosecution of the offenses of trafficking of persons and compelling prostitution and to certain consequences of compelling prostitution.

TX HB1316

Relating to the prosecution and punishment of certain criminal offenses involving the smuggling of persons or the operation of a stash house; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB1179

Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB505

Relating to the prosecution of and punishment for the criminal offense of hindering the investigation or prosecution of certain sexual offenses committed against a child; increasing criminal penalties.

TX HB3554

Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for the offense of trafficking of persons if committed at certain locations.

Similar Bills

TX HB29

Relating to prostitution and the trafficking of persons, civil racketeering related to trafficking, the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of and punishment for certain sexual offenses and offenses involving or related to trafficking, reimbursement of certain costs for criminal victims who are children, and the release and reporting of certain information relating to a child; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB4635

Relating to organized crime, racketeering activities, and collection of unlawful debts; providing a civil penalty; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB1982

Relating to limitations on federal authority and federal agents in this state, including the licensure of federal agents and special procedures for executing federal warrants; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB4173

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of certain provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, including conforming amendments.

TX SB256

Relating to the confidentiality of home address information of certain victims of family violence, sexual assault or abuse, stalking, or trafficking of persons.