Bill

SB 1504

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

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive

Author(s)

Van Taylor

Sponsor(s)

Tan Parker

Bill Caption

Relating to the eligibility of certain victims of trafficking of persons for an order of nondisclosure. 


Fiscal Notes

The bill would have a positive, but indeterminate, fiscal impact to the state due to an anticipated increase in the number of defendants that would petition a court for an order of nondisclosure; however, the total number of defendants that would petition a court for an order of nondisclosure cannot be determined. 

Bill Analysis

This bill would expand the eligibility for orders of nondisclosure for individuals who are victims of human trafficking. If this bill passes, crimes related to the delivery of less than ΒΌ ounce of marijuana, possession of less than two ounces of marijuana, theft constituting a Class C or Class B misdemeanor, prostitution, criminal trespass, and the promotion of prostitution by the prostitute, would be eligible for orders of nondisclosure. In order to be granted an order of nondisclosure however, the court would still have to determine that the individual committed the offense solely as a victim of trafficking of persons. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill upholds our commitment to individual liberty. If a person is a victim of a crime, and then they get arrested for committing a crime they were coerced into, it is in the best interest of justice that they have the ability to receive orders of nondisclosure. 

Organizations Supporting

Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops
Texas Public Policy Foundation