By: Huffman, Lucio S.B. No. 1708
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the creation of a governor's program for victims of
child sex trafficking.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 772, Government Code, is amended by
adding Section 772.0063 to read as follows:
Sec. 772.0063. GOVERNOR'S PROGRAM FOR VICTIMS OF CHILD SEX
TRAFFICKING. (a) The governor shall establish and implement a
program to provide comprehensive, individualized services to
address the rehabilitation and treatment needs of child victims of
an offense under Section 20A.02(a)(7) or (8), Penal Code.
(b) The governor shall appoint a director of the program to
serve at the pleasure of the governor.
(c) The director of the program shall coordinate with state
and local law enforcement agencies, state agencies, and service
providers to identify victims of child sex trafficking who are
eligible to receive services under the program.
(d) For each victim of child sex trafficking identified by
the director, the program shall immediately facilitate the
assignment of a caseworker to the victim to coordinate with local
service providers to create a customized package of services to fit
the victim's immediate and long-term rehabilitation and treatment
needs. Services provided under the program must address all
aspects of the medical, psychiatric, psychological, safety, and
housing needs of victims.
SECTION 2. The governor shall establish the governor's
program for victims of child sex trafficking and appoint a director
of the program, as required by Section 772.0063, Government Code,
as added by this Act, as soon as practicable and not later than
December 1, 2016.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.