Texas House Bill HB491

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 11/12/24
• Out of House Committee: 4/11/25
• Voted on by House: 4/25/25

Caption

Relating to certain civil penalties collected for violations of laws regulating massage therapy.

Impact

The enactment of HB 491 will influence how local governments utilize civil penalties derived from massage therapy violations. By ensuring that the funds are specifically designated for human trafficking prevention, the bill aligns financial resources with important social initiatives. Consequently, counties and municipalities are likely to reallocate derived penalties to enhance their law enforcement and public safety efforts related to human trafficking. This could lead to increased funding for local anti-trafficking programs and services aimed at education, prevention, and victim support.

Summary

House Bill 491 aims to modify the existing laws regarding civil penalties associated with violations of regulations governing massage therapy in Texas. Specifically, it introduces provisions that dictate the allocation of civil penalties recovered through legal actions. These funds will be directed to local general funds and are earmarked exclusively for initiatives aimed at combatting human trafficking. This legislative change reflects a broader commitment to addressing the serious issue of human trafficking within the state and underscores the importance of allocating resources effectively to combat such violations in the massage therapy industry.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 491 is predominantly positive, as it seeks to address a significant and pressing social issue. Supporters of the bill, including various advocacy groups focused on human trafficking, have voiced their approval, arguing that it places essential resources where they can have a meaningful impact. However, there may still be some skepticism regarding the effective implementation of these funds and whether they will achieve their intended goal. Overall, the general sentiment is aligned with fostering public safety and combatting human trafficking through enhanced local funding.

Contention

While there appears to be strong support for HB 491, potential contention could arise over the management and execution of the allocated funds. Opponents may question how effectively local governments can monitor and report on the use of these penalties for anti-trafficking efforts. Additionally, there might be apprehensions about ensuring that the focus on human trafficking does not overshadow other important regulatory concerns within the massage therapy sector.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Occupations Code

• Chapter 455. Massage Therapy
  • Section: 351
  • Section: 351
  • Section: 351
  • Section: 351