Texas House Bill HB2331

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 2/3/25

Caption

Relating to the prosecution of the offense of smuggling of persons.

Impact

Upon enactment, HB 2331 will introduce stricter penalties for individuals involved in smuggling activities. It spells out particular actions that constitute offenses, such as using any means of conveyance to transport individuals in a manner intended to evade law enforcement detection. These provisions are expected to empower law enforcement officials to act more decisively against human smuggling and trafficking operations, potentially increasing the rate of prosecution for such offenses.

Summary

House Bill 2331 aims to amend the Penal Code concerning the prosecution of the offense of smuggling persons. The bill specifically targets actions related to the transportation of individuals with the intent to conceal them from law enforcement or to assist them in violating immigration laws. By enhancing the definitions and conditions under which smuggling can be prosecuted, the bill seeks to strengthen the legal framework available for law enforcement agencies in dealing with smuggling offenses.

Contention

Notably, the bill clarifies that its provisions will only apply to offenses committed on or after its effective date. This means that individuals charged for actions preceding the bill's enactment will not be retroactively affected. This aspect of the legislation could be a point of contention among lawmakers and advocacy groups, especially concerning its implications for civil liberties and the potential stigmatization of individuals involved in immigration processes. There may be concerns about how the new prosecutorial powers could impact community trust in law enforcement and affect individuals’ rights.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Penal Code

• Chapter 20. Kidnapping, Unlawful Restraint, Andsmuggling Of Persons
  • Section: New Section