Relating to state contract limitations and programs for sex trafficking prevention and victim treatment.
Impact
The implementation of HB1113 would significantly alter the landscape of state contracting by embedding stricter regulations targeting vendors involved in human trafficking activities. The bill not only seeks to prevent such entities from participating in state contracts but also emphasizes the state's commitment to sex trafficking prevention through designated treatment programs for victims. Moreover, it establishes a matching grant program that enables municipalities to develop needs assessments and preventive programs, highlighting a collaborative approach to local governance and public safety.
Summary
House Bill 1113 aims to enhance the state's efforts in combatting human trafficking by establishing limitations on state contracts to ensure that individuals or entities involved in human trafficking do not benefit from state funds. Specifically, the bill prohibits state agencies from accepting bids or awarding contracts to those who have been convicted of offenses related to the support or promotion of human trafficking within the preceding five years. This provision reflects a stronger stance by the state on preventing human trafficking and minimizing the potential for state funds to inadvertently support such activities.
Sentiment
The general sentiment regarding HB1113 is positive among proponents who view it as a necessary measure to safeguard public funds and support vulnerable populations. Advocates, including various nonprofit organizations, expressed that the bill represents a meaningful step towards addressing the pressing issue of human trafficking in Texas. Conversely, there may be concerns from certain local governments and potential vendors about the implications of stringent contract qualifications, particularly regarding how these new regulations could impact participation in future state contracts.
Contention
One notable point of contention surrounding HB1113 relates to the balance between imposing necessary restrictions on contractors and ensuring that local businesses are not unduly burdened by overly strict regulations. Stakeholders are concerned about how the bill's enforcement mechanisms will be rolled out and whether adequate resources will be allocated to support municipalities in developing effective sex trafficking prevention programs. The effectiveness of such programs hinges not only on initial funding but also on sustained community engagement and awareness efforts.
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.
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.
Relating to the establishment of the office of community violence intervention and prevention within the Department of State Health Services and a grant program for violence intervention and prevention services.
Relating to the rights of victims of sexual assault and to certain procedures and reimbursements occurring with respect to a sexual assault or other sex offense.
Relating to the rights of victims of sexual assault and to certain procedures and reimbursements occurring with respect to a sexual assault or other sex offense.
Relating to offenses involving the manufacture or delivery of certain controlled substances and the enforcement and prevention of those offenses; creating a criminal offense.
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.
Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the health and human services laws governing the Health and Human Services Commission, Medicaid, and other social services.
Relating to the prevention of, reporting regarding, investigation of, prosecution of, criminal and civil penalties for, and other consequences of prostitution, trafficking of persons, and related criminal offenses, to treatment, services, and compensation available to victims of those offenses, and to orders of nondisclosure for certain persons who are victims of certain of those offenses.
Relating to the establishment of a statewide human trafficking data repository within the office of the attorney general and to reporting of human trafficking data to the office of the attorney general and by the attorney general.
Relating to human trafficking, prostitution, and child pornography and to the prosecution of sexual or assaultive offenses or the prosecution of a failure to stop or report those offenses; amending and harmonizing certain statute of limitations provisions; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty.