Texas House Bill HB1147

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the collection of information regarding trafficking of persons.

Impact

The implications of HB 1147 extend to state and local laws regarding the management of human trafficking cases. By requiring cooperation and data sharing among law enforcement and legal entities, the bill seeks to create a more comprehensive approach to identifying and assisting victims of trafficking. This could lead to improved training for law enforcement personnel and better resources for victim services. Furthermore, the emphasis on data collection could help inform future legislative efforts and resource allocation in combatting human trafficking, enhancing the overall effectiveness of related laws.

Summary

House Bill 1147 addresses the collection of information related to the trafficking of persons in Texas. The bill aims to enhance cooperation among state and local law enforcement, as well as district attorneys, to gather statistical data on human trafficking. It mandates that agencies assist a designated task force in compiling relevant data, which includes the nature and extent of trafficking activities, investigations, arrests, prosecutions, and demographic details of both victims and offenders. The legislation emphasizes the importance of accurate data collection as a means to better understand and combat human trafficking within the state.

Contention

While the bill aims to strengthen the state's approach to human trafficking, there may be points of contention regarding the implementation and effectiveness of data collection methods. Critics might raise concerns about the adequacy of resources allocated for training law enforcement and whether the bill will translate to meaningful support for victims. Additionally, there can be apprehensions about privacy and the handling of sensitive victim information, as well as skepticism regarding how well the collected data will be utilized in practice to address the issue of human trafficking.