Bill: HB 2552, 85(R) - 2017
Committee
House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
2nd Chamber Committee
Senate State Affairs
Vote Recommendation
| Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
| Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Author(s)
Senfronia Thompson
Sponsor(s)
Sylvia Garcia
Bill Caption
Relating to prostitution and trafficking of persons and to certain criminal and civil consequences of that conduct.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated except for an indeterminate
impact associated with amending certain sections of the Penal Code.
Bill Analysis
If
this bill passes, it would be considered prima facie evidence that the
defendant knowingly tolerated prostitution, the promotion of prostitution, or
compelling prostitution, if an arrested person or a law enforcement officer
testify that the illegal activity is committed at a place licensed as a massage
establishment.
In addition, if there is proof that someone is using their massage therapy professional
license in violation of the terms of their license, and if that activity occurs
at a place maintained by the defendant, it would be considered prima facie
evidence that the defendant knowingly tolerated the activity and did not make a
reasonable attempt to abate the activity.
The aforementioned evidence could also be used in subsequent suites to
demonstrate that the landowner knowingly tolerated the activity and that they
did not make a reasonable attempt to abate the activity.
Vote Recommendation Notes
We oppose the provisions of this bill adding new licensure requirements and regulations on cosmetologists. We support provisions of this bill creating the offense of sexual coercion and which enhance penalties for killing unborn babies or forcing a woman to have an abortion. Ultimately, because we object to some provisions of the bill which infringe on liberty and support other provisions which protect our liberty principles, we do not object to the bill's passage but remain neutral.
Organizations Supporting
City of Dallas
Houston Police Department
Texas Alliance for Life
Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops
Texas Impact
