Bill

HB 2529

85(R) - 2017
House Criminal Jurisprudence
Senate Criminal Justice
House Criminal Jurisprudence
Senate Criminal Justice
Crimes
Human Trafficking

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • 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