Texas Senate Bill SB2105

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/7/25

Caption

Relating to the authority of a county attorney or district attorney to enforce human trafficking awareness and prevention in commercial lodging establishments.

Impact

The bill’s implementation is aimed at strengthening the state's efforts against human trafficking, particularly in regions known for high tourist activity. By empowering local authorities to enforce compliance at commercial lodging establishments, it allows for a more responsive and localized approach to addressing potential violations and promotes better awareness among operators. This is expected to lead to enhanced protection for vulnerable individuals who may be at risk of trafficking in such commercial settings.

Summary

SB2105 establishes the authority for county attorneys and district attorneys in Texas to enforce human trafficking awareness and prevention measures specifically for commercial lodging establishments. The bill amends existing sections of the Business and Commerce Code to clarify the responsibilities and powers given to these attorneys. This includes the ability to provide written notice to lodging operators if there is a suspected violation, along with a designated timeframe to remedy the issue before penalties are imposed.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB2105 may include concerns about the resources and training needed for county and district attorneys to effectively enforce the new provisions. Additionally, there may be debate regarding the adequacy of the penalties stipulated and whether they are sufficient to motivate compliance among lodging operators. Opponents might argue that while human trafficking prevention is crucial, the enforcement measures should not place undue burdens on legitimate business operators.