Texas House Bill HR975

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 3/22/11
• Refer: 3/30/11
• Enrolled: 6/1/11
• Passed: 6/1/11

Caption

Recognizing the last week of January 2012 as Texas Human Trafficking Awareness Week.

Impact

The recognition of Texas Human Trafficking Awareness Week is intended to mobilize community efforts and state resources towards combating human trafficking. The Texas Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force has identified key priorities such as implementing statewide databases for victim and law enforcement data sharing, enhancing victim services, and bolstering law enforcement resources to better identify and prosecute trafficking cases. Acknowledging this week serves not only to inform the public but to push state leaders to reinforce ongoing efforts in this area.

Summary

House Resolution 975 aims to recognize the last week of January 2012 as Texas Human Trafficking Awareness Week. The resolution highlights the urgent issue of human trafficking in Texas, which ranks as the second most prevalent criminal enterprise, trailing only drug smuggling. With approximately 800,000 victims of human trafficking across the United States and nearly 20 percent of these victims passing through Texas, the resolution underscores the need for heightened awareness and action against this crime, particularly emphasizing the plight of children who are disproportionately affected.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR975 is one of urgency and communal responsibility. Lawmakers and advocates view the declaration as a crucial step in fostering awareness and encouraging Texas citizens to remain vigilant against this pervasive issue. The resolution is framed within a narrative of progress made in addressing human trafficking since Texas first recognized it as a crime in 2003, showcasing a commitment to continuous improvement to protect vulnerable populations.

Contention

While the resolution does not appear to have strong points of contention, the broader discussions on human trafficking often touch upon the challenges of adequately tracking and reporting such cases. Critics may argue that while awareness is essential, more concrete legislative actions and funding are necessary to support the efforts outlined by state task forces. The intricacies of human trafficking present ongoing legal and logistical hurdles that require comprehensive approaches beyond awareness weeks.