Relating to the creation of the Anti-Human-Trafficking Intelligence Center.
Impact
This legislation is expected to significantly impact state laws concerning human trafficking by creating a structured approach to intelligence gathering and coordination among law enforcement agencies. It empowers the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to adopt rules, award grants for public outreach and training, and establish operational agreements with law enforcement and other governmental bodies. The creation of a centralized intelligence framework is anticipated to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of anti-trafficking efforts across the state.
Summary
SB389 introduces the establishment of the Anti-Human-Trafficking Intelligence Center within the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The primary goal of the center is to serve as the state's main entity for coordinating and integrating law enforcement responses to human trafficking. Through this initiative, the legislation seeks to enhance the state’s capacity to detect, prevent, and respond effectively to human trafficking incidents by fostering collaboration among various agencies and stakeholders.
Contention
While the bill aims to strengthen the fight against human trafficking, potential areas of contention may arise concerning data confidentiality and the limits on information sharing among agencies. The stipulation that all information relating to anti-trafficking operations must remain confidential could lead to debates over transparency and accountability. Additionally, the participation of various stakeholders in the operational agreements may generate discussions about authority and control in the oversight of anti-trafficking initiatives.
Relating to homeland security, including the creation of the Texas Homeland Security Division in the Department of Public Safety, the operations of the Homeland Security Council, the creation of a homeland security fusion center, and the duties of state agencies and local governments in preparing for, reporting, and responding to cybersecurity breaches; providing administrative penalties; creating criminal offenses.
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 measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.
Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.
Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the southern border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.
A bill for an act relating to human trafficking, including screening children, civil statutes of limitations, an annual stakeholder meeting and report, depositions of victims, restitution, restorative facilities and protective services, and investigation and prosecution, and making appropriations.(Formerly HF 452; See HF 1036.)
A bill for an act relating to human trafficking, including civil statutes of limitations, an annual stakeholder meeting and report, depositions of victims, restitution, restorative facilities and protective services, and investigation and prosecution, and making appropriations.