Texas House Bill HB3431

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the imposition and use of the admission fee to sexually oriented businesses; increasing the amount of a fee.

Impact

The bill specifies that five-eighths of the revenue generated from the new fee will be allocated to the sexual assault program fund, while three-eighths of the revenue will be directed toward a dedicated account for human trafficking prevention. This financial restructuring is intended to improve funding for local programs and grant initiatives that support victims and bolster enforcement efforts against human trafficking. With the increased funding, the expectation is that law enforcement agencies and advocacy groups will have more resources to pursue their missions effectively.

Summary

House Bill 3431 seeks to amend the existing provisions regarding the admission fee charged to customers of sexually oriented businesses in Texas. The bill proposes an increase in the fee from $5 to $8 per customer. This change aims to raise additional funds to support various programs aimed at addressing sexual assault and human trafficking within the state. By increasing the fee, the bill intends to enhance financial resources for critical initiatives that combat these pressing social issues.

Contention

Notably, while supporters of HB3431 argue that the planned revenue allocation will significantly strengthen the state's commitment to combating sexual assault and human trafficking, there may be concerns regarding the increased financial burden on businesses classified as sexually oriented. Critics may question whether raising the admission fee could potentially deter customers or lead to unintended consequences for these establishments. The discussions surrounding the bill will likely reflect divergent views on balancing regulatory measures with the operational realities of impacted businesses.