Relating to human trafficking, prostitution, and child pornography and to the prosecution of sexual or assaultive offenses or the prosecution of a failure to stop or report those offenses; amending and harmonizing certain statute of limitations provisions; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty.
Impact
The impact of SB741 reaches deeply into state law as it revises how sexual and assaultive offenses are prosecuted. By increasing criminal penalties for offenses against minors and establishing required training for certain professions, the bill aims to ensure that adequate measures are in place to combat human trafficking. This includes significant grace periods concerning the statute of limitations depending on the nature of the crime and the age of the victim, which is designed to accommodate the complexities of these crimes and help more victims seek justice.
Summary
SB741 is a proposed legislation aimed at strengthening Texas laws against human trafficking, prostitution, and child pornography. The bill seeks to enhance the prosecution of related sexual and assaultive offenses by amending existing laws and harmonizing the statute of limitations for such crimes. One of the notable features of the bill is the introduction of a new criminal offense related to the failure to stop or report incidents of sexual or assaultive offenses against children, which reflects a push for greater accountability within communities and amongst individuals who witness such acts.
Contention
While proponents of SB741 argue that the bill strengthens protections for vulnerable populations, opponents may raise concerns about the implications of mandatory reporting requirements. Critics might worry that such mandates could lead to underreporting or misreporting out of fear or misunderstanding, placing additional burdens on individuals who may already feel vulnerable. The necessity for further resources and training to properly implement the bill's provisions could also serve as a point of debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Government Code
Chapter 402. Attorney General
Section: 034
Section: 0351
Health And Safety Code
Chapter 146. Tattoo And Certain Body Piercing Studios
Section: New Section
Occupations Code
Chapter 1603. Regulation Of Barbering And Cosmetology
Section: New Section
Penal Code
Chapter 20. Kidnapping, Unlawful Restraint, Andsmuggling Of Persons
Identical
Relating to human trafficking, prostitution, and child pornography and to the prosecution of sexual or assaultive offenses or the prosecution of a failure to stop or report those offenses; amending and harmonizing certain statute of limitations provisions; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty.
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.
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.
Relating to increasing the criminal penalties for certain repeat sex offenders and to the admissibility of evidence of certain extraneous offenses or acts in the prosecution of certain sexual and assaultive offenses.
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.
Relating to required human trafficking prevention training and disclosure of certain information about human trafficking by tattoo and body piercing studios.
Relating to a prohibition on prosecuting or referring to juvenile court certain persons for certain conduct constituting the offense of prostitution, to the provision of services to those persons, and to the prosecution of related criminal offenses.
Relating to offenses involving the manufacture or delivery of certain controlled substances and the enforcement and prevention of those offenses; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.
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.
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.
Relating to human trafficking, prostitution, and child pornography and to the prosecution of sexual or assaultive offenses or the prosecution of a failure to stop or report those offenses; amending and harmonizing certain statute of limitations provisions; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty.
Relating to the prevention of, reporting regarding, investigation of, prosecution of, criminal and civil penalties for, and other consequences of prostitution, trafficking of persons, and related criminal offenses, to treatment, services, and compensation available to victims of those offenses, and to orders of nondisclosure for certain persons who are victims of certain of those offenses.
Relating to the prevention of, prosecution of, penalties for, and other consequences of prostitution, trafficking of persons, and related criminal offenses and to orders of nondisclosure for persons who committed certain of those offenses; regulating occupations and property to prevent and respond to those criminal offenses, including requiring a student occupational permit for those purposes; authorizing fees; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.