Texas Senate Bill SB1859

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the establishment of a human trafficking unit within the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas.

Impact

The establishment of this human trafficking unit is likely to enhance the state's capability to address human trafficking offenses by providing a more focused approach to investigations and law enforcement training. The unit will not only handle investigations but also implement public outreach campaigns to educate the public, particularly minors, about the risks associated with human trafficking. This dual focus on enforcement and education is essential to combat the problem on multiple fronts.

Summary

SB1859 establishes a dedicated human trafficking unit within the Department of Public Safety (DPS) of Texas, tasked with investigating and combating human trafficking activities across the state. This unit is critical in addressing the growing concern of human trafficking, which constitutes violent offenses under state law. The bill mandates collaboration between the DPS and various federal and local law enforcement agencies, as well as the attorney general's office, in efforts to tackle these crimes effectively.

Contention

While the bill aims to improve public safety, there may be discussions surrounding funding and resource allocation for the unit, as it will likely require substantial investment to ensure its operations are effective. Additionally, the involvement of various organizations, such as nonprofits and faith-based groups, introduces a collaborative approach that can be seen as beneficial, although there might be concerns regarding the integration of different agencies and the potential complexity of operations involved.

Implementation

The bill outlines that the human trafficking unit must be established by September 1, 2018, with specific guidelines on its functioning and protocols to minimize the intrusiveness of encounters during operations. This structured timeline and framework for the unit's establishment signal a commitment to addressing human trafficking seriously and with a concerted effort across different sectors.