Texas Senate Bill SB1920

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to required reporting of human trafficking cases by peace officers and prosecutors.

Impact

If enacted, SB1920 would significantly alter how human trafficking offenses are recorded and reported in Texas. By establishing a standardized reporting procedure, the legislation aims to improve data collection on human trafficking incidents, thereby allowing for more informed policy decisions and resource allocations. It is anticipated that such data will assist in a better understanding of the scale and nature of human trafficking within the state, as well as enhance collaborative efforts among different law enforcement agencies and advocacy groups.

Summary

SB1920 seeks to enhance the accountability of law enforcement and prosecutors in Texas regarding human trafficking cases. Specifically, the bill mandates that peace officers investigating human trafficking offenses provide detailed written reports to a university designated by the attorney general. This reporting requirement applies to peace officers from various law enforcement agencies within counties having a population exceeding 50,000. The information collected includes details about the offense, the suspects, victims, and the outcomes of investigations.

Contention

While supporters of SB1920 argue that the bill will strengthen the state's response to human trafficking by ensuring accountability and transparency among law enforcement, there may be concerns regarding the additional administrative burden this reporting requirement places on agencies. Critics may also raise issues about privacy and the effectiveness of the data collected. Moreover, some may question whether these new obligations will translate into tangible improvements in combating human trafficking or if they will merely add another layer to existing bureaucratic processes.