By: Thompson of Harris H.B. No. 2511
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the creation of the human trafficking prevention
business partnership.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.
Chapter 405, Government Code, is amended by
adding new Subchapter D, Section 405.041, to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER D. HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP
Sec. 405.041. HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION BUSINESS
PARTNERSHIP. (a) In this section, "partnership" means the human
trafficking prevention business partnership.
(b) The office of the secretary of state by rule shall
establish and implement a program designated as the human
trafficking prevention business partnership to engage
participating corporations and other private entities in voluntary
efforts to prevent and combat human trafficking.
(c) The office of the secretary of state shall present a
certificate of recognition to a participating corporation or
private entity to recognize the corporation's or entity's
contributions to the efforts of federal, state, and local officials
engaged in combatting human trafficking and prosecuting human
trafficking crimes.
(d) A corporation or other private entity that participates
in the partnership shall:
(1) adopt a zero tolerance policy toward human
trafficking;
(2) take measures to ensure that the corporation's or
entity's employees comply with the policy adopted under Subdivision
(1);
(3) participate in public awareness and education
campaigns;
(4) enhance awareness of and encourage participation
in the partnership; and
(5) share with the office of the secretary of state
best practices that are effective in combatting human trafficking.
(e) The office of the secretary of state shall work
collaboratively with other state agencies to promote the
partnership.
(f) The office of the secretary of state may use private and
philanthropic resources to support the work of the partnership.
SECTION 2. Not later than December 1, 2015, the office of
the secretary of state shall establish the program designated as
the human trafficking prevention business partnership as required
under Section 405.041, Government Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2015.