Bill Caption

Relating to resources provided to human trafficking victims and the establishment of the trafficked persons grant program.

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB 2633, Committee Report 1st House, Substituted: a NEGATIVE impact of ($700,000) through the biennium ending August 31, 2023. The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill. 

Bill Analysis

HB 2633 would require the Department of State Health Services to establish a Trafficked Persons Grant Program as a dedicated account in the general revenue fund. This program would be designed to provide money to:

• substantiate the state's interest in publicly operated and funded shelter and treatment for sex trafficking victims 
• prevent the recruitment of human trafficking victims within mixed-status child and youth shelters;
• provide consistent and recurring funding of long-term solutions to provide research-based treatment and a safe and secure shelter; 
• for the financial stability of local governments, private partners, and medical facilities; and 
• raise awareness of the account among businesses and philanthropists in this state. This program would by rule cost no more than $100,000 to distribute information, as its public service advertisements. 

Through this program HHSC would provide grants to applicants for dedicated housing and treatment facilities who serve human trafficking victims. The program would be funded by voluntary contributions made through certain programs, fees for certain specialty license plates, grants, gifts, and donations received for the account, and dividends or other income of the account. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action is neutral toward HB 2633.