Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB811

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the continuation and duties of the Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force.

Impact

The implementation of SB811 is expected to enhance the state's capacity to prevent human trafficking by establishing clearer protocols for data collection and inter-agency collaboration. By compiling statistical information, the task force can identify patterns and trends in trafficking activities, which could inform law enforcement and policy-making. Furthermore, it aims to train essential personnel, such as healthcare workers and educators, to better recognize signs of trafficking, potentially increasing the number of victims who can be identified and assisted.

Summary

SB811 aims to continue and expand the duties of the Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force in Texas. The task force is tasked with collaborating with various federal, state, and local agencies to collect and organize data on human trafficking incidents. This includes statistical data on investigations, arrests, and demographic information about both perpetrators and victims. The bill emphasizes the importance of cooperation among agencies and mandates the collection of data to better understand and combat human trafficking in Texas.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment regarding SB811 is largely positive, with many stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies and victim advocacy groups, supporting the enhancement of the task force's duties. There is a consensus on the necessity of a robust response to human trafficking issues across Texas, particularly given the state's significant challenges in this arena. The focus on systematic data collection and training is seen as a proactive approach to tackling human trafficking effectively.

Contention

While there appears to be broad support for the intentions behind SB811, some concerns may arise regarding the allocation of resources and funding to effectively implement the provisions of the bill. Additionally, potential challenges may include ensuring that the collaborations between various agencies are not only established but also maintained over time to ensure effective communication and data sharing. Some critics may also argue that without sufficient follow-up, the bill's initiatives might not translate into real-world improvements for trafficking victims.

Companion Bills

TX HB1272

Identical Relating to the continuation and duties of the Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1527

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 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 SB1402

Relating to the composition, continuation, and duties of the Sexual Assault Survivors' Task Force, compensation for task force members and certain other task force participants, and establishment of a mandatory training program for persons responding to reports of and treating survivors of child sexual abuse and adult sexual assault.

TX HB3782

Relating to establishing the Border Security Advisory Council and the Border Protection Task Force.

TX HB2122

Relating to the composition of the Human Trafficking Prevention Coordinating Council.

TX HB3501

Relating to required human trafficking prevention training and disclosure of certain information about human trafficking by tattoo and body piercing studios.

TX HR114

Recognizing January 2023 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

TX HB4642

Relating to offenses involving the manufacture or delivery of certain controlled substances and the enforcement and prevention of those offenses; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB3772

Relating to combating human trafficking by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

TX SB24

Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.

Similar Bills

CA SB35

Human trafficking: California ACTS Task Force.

CA AB2020

Survivors of Human Trafficking Support Act.

HI HB609

Relating To Sex Trafficking.

CA AB1735

Evidence: privileges: human trafficking caseworker-victim privilege.

CA AB2843

Regional Task Forces Against Human Trafficking Grant Program.

NJ A4306

Requires Attorney General to establish Human Trafficking Unit in Department of Law and Public Safety.

HI HB867

Relating To Sex Trafficking Prevention.

HI HB867

Relating To Sex Trafficking Prevention.