TX
Texas Senate Bill SB1527

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1527

Filed
3/3/23  
Out of Senate Committee
3/30/23  
Voted on by Senate
4/12/23  
Out of House Committee
5/2/23  
Voted on by House
5/6/23  
Governor Action
5/19/23  

Caption

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.

Impact

The implications of SB1527 are profound, as it amends several sections of the Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure. Among several provisions, the bill increases the penalties associated with offenses of trafficking, particularly affecting individuals who engage with or exploit minors and vulnerable populations. Additionally, changes in reporting requirements serve to ensure that law enforcement agencies actively investigate and report trafficking activities, thereby ensuring a consistent and vigorous approach across Texas counties. This legislation seeks to make significant strides in protecting victims of trafficking while holding offenders accountable more effectively.

Summary

Senate Bill 1527 aims to strengthen Texas laws related to human trafficking by codifying recommendations from the Texas Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force. The bill significantly revises laws surrounding the prosecution of trafficking offenses, including compelling prostitution and solicitation, while also creating new criminal offenses and increasing penalties for existing ones. By instituting these changes, SB1527 seeks to enhance statewide efforts to combat human trafficking and support victims, thereby aiming to set a robust legal framework for addressing this critical issue.

Sentiment

The legislative sentiment surrounding SB1527 has been largely positive, reflecting a strong consensus among lawmakers and advocacy groups on the need to address human trafficking. Supporters argue that these enhanced measures are essential for providing better protections and resources for victims while creating a more hostile environment for traffickers. The testimony provided during committee meetings showcased endorsements from a wide array of law enforcement agencies and civil organizations who recognize the urgency and importance of these changes in the fight against human trafficking.

Contention

Despite general support, there are points of contention regarding the practical implementation of the bill's provisions. Opponents have raised concerns about the potential for overcriminalization, especially regarding how increased penalties might impact low-level offenders or those who may not play a direct role in trafficking. Additionally, some advocates worry about the adequacy of resources allocated for enforcement and victim support, which could hinder the efficacy of the proposed legal changes. Stakeholders emphasize that ensuring victim assistance and rehabilitation services must accompany legislative efforts to create a balanced and just system.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 402. Attorney General
    • Section: 034
    • Section: 034
    • Section: 034

Penal Code

  • Chapter 20. Kidnapping, Unlawful Restraint, Andsmuggling Of Persons
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 43. Public Indecency
    • Section: 05
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 25
    • Section: 26
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 05
    • Section: 05
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 21. Sexual Offenses
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 11
  • Chapter 22. Assaultive Offenses
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 15. Preparatory Offenses
    • Section: New Section

Civil Practice And Remedies Code

  • Chapter 16. Limitations
    • Section: 0045
    • Section: 0045

Code Of Criminal Procedure

  • Chapter 2. General Duties Of Officers
    • Section: 305
    • Section: 305
    • Section: 305
  • Chapter 38. Evidence In Criminal Actions
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 12. Limitation
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 62. Sex Offender Registration Program
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 42. Judgment And Sentence
    • Section: New Section

Transportation Code

  • Chapter 521. Driver's Licenses And Certificates
    • Section: 057

Latest TX SB1527 Activity

View All Events: TX 2023 - 88th Regular SB1527

Companion Bills

TX HB3451

Identical 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.

Previously Filed As

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 HB1778

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.

TX HB10

Relating to certain criminal and civil consequences of trafficking of persons, compelling prostitution, and certain other related criminal offenses; to the prevention, prosecution, and punishment of those offenses, and to compensation paid to victims of those offenses.

TX SB741

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.

TX SB1569

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.

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 HB2300

Relating to the offense of solicitation of prostitution, civil racketeering related to human trafficking, and common and public nuisances related to certain criminal conduct, including prostitution; increasing a criminal penalty; making conforming changes.

TX HB2795

Relating to the offense of solicitation of prostitution and certain other consequences of that offense; increasing a criminal penalty; making conforming changes.

TX HB4816

Relating to the punishment for certain criminal conduct involving trafficking of persons, the human trafficking prevention coordinating council and the human trafficking prevention task force; increasing criminal penalties.

TX HB2552

Relating to measures to address and deter certain criminal or other unlawful activity, including trafficking of persons, sexual offenses, prostitution, and activity that may constitute a public nuisance; increasing criminal penalties; creating a criminal offense.

Similar Bills

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 HB1778

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.

TX SB20

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.

TX HB4816

Relating to the punishment for certain criminal conduct involving trafficking of persons, the human trafficking prevention coordinating council and the human trafficking prevention task force; increasing criminal penalties.

TX HB15

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.