Texas House Bill HCR57

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Requesting the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house of representatives to create a joint interim committee to study human trafficking in Texas.

Impact

This resolution calls for the establishment of a joint interim committee, spearheaded by the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house, to explore human trafficking comprehensively. The committee is tasked with conducting a study aimed at understanding the various dimensions of the trafficking issue in Texas, including the methods employed by traffickers and the effectiveness of existing laws and programs designed to combat this crime. It also emphasizes the state’s ongoing efforts to combat trafficking and the necessity of continual evaluation of strategies employed. The findings from this committee will be submitted to the 84th Texas Legislature in early January 2015, which could influence subsequent legislative actions and policies regarding human trafficking.

Summary

HCR57 is a resolution that addresses the significant issue of human trafficking in Texas. Recognizing the severity of the problem, the resolution highlights that human trafficking is notably prevalent in the state and ranks as the second most profitable criminal enterprise in the U.S., trailing only the drug trade. The legislation points to alarming statistics, noting that foreign nationals as well as U.S. citizens, particularly children, are at a high risk of being trafficked. The resolution underscores Texas's role as a critical entry point for traffickers, owing to its size and demographics that allow traffickers to blend in while exploiting their victims.

Contention

Although HCR57 seeks to mobilize resources and attention towards human trafficking, it may face challenges regarding funding, awareness, and potential differing opinions on the nature of interventions required. Stakeholders may have varying perspectives on the best methods to tackle this issue, which includes potential recommendations for enhanced victim support services, law enforcement training, and public awareness campaigns. The resolution signals a commitment from the state legislature to take a proactive stance on the troubling issue of human trafficking, yet it also presents a framework for dialogue on complex social issues and law enforcement challenges involved in effectively addressing human trafficking.