Bill
HB 2529
85(R) - 2017
House Criminal Jurisprudence
Senate Criminal Justice
House Criminal Jurisprudence
Senate Criminal Justice
Crimes
Human Trafficking
Vote Recommendation
Yes
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Positive
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Positive
Author(s)
Morgan Meyer
Sponsor(s)
Joan Huffman
Bill Caption
Relating to the definition of coercion for purposes of the offense
of trafficking of persons.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
This bill would modify the portion of the code that pertains to human trafficking. If passed, it would be considered coercion if someone receives or controls any form of support from the proceeds of an activity related to trafficking victims for prostitution. In addition, if a person knowingly destroys, conceals, confiscates, or withholds government records or other identifying documents from a person being trafficked, it would be treated as coercion against a trafficking victim.
Vote Recommendation Notes
Governments are established to protect individual rights, and it is well within the proper role of government to punish people who violate the rights of others. The traffickers that steal, hide, or destroy the identifying documents of their victims are absolutely using force, fraud, and/or coercion to benefit from human trafficking. We support HB 2529 because it would help to ensure justice for those who violate the rights of others.
Organizations Supporting
Christian Life Commission
Texas AFL-CIO
Texas Impact
Texas Municipal Police Association