Bill Caption

Relating to state contract limitations and programs for sex trafficking prevention and victim treatment.

Fiscal Notes

The fiscal implications of the bill cannot be determined at this time. Depending on the number of victims that may qualify for services at an inpatient and outpatient level and the amount, number,and timing of grants distributed by the matching grant program for municipal sex trafficking prevention programs there would be some fiscal impact to the state.

A state agency is required to implement a provision of this Act only if the legislature appropriates money to the agency specifically for the purpose of implementing the applicable provision. If the legislature does not appropriate money specifically for the purpose of implementing the applicable provision, the agency may, but is not required to, implement the provision using other appropriations available for that purpose.

Bill Analysis

HB 1113 would stipulate that a state agency "may not accept a bid or award a contract, including a contract for which purchasing authority is delegated to a state agency, that includes proposed financial participation by a person who, during the five-year period preceding the date of the bid or award, has been convicted of any offense related to the direct support or promotion of human trafficking."

The bill would require that if a state agency determines that an individual or business entity holding a state contract was ineligible to have the bid accepted or contract awarded under this section , the agency may immediately terminate the contract without further obligation to the vendor. This would not create a cause of action to contest a bid or award of a state contract. 

The bill would also require the Health and Human Services Commission to establish a program to improve the quality and accessibility of medical care for victims of child sex trafficking in this state. HHSC would also be required to establish a matching grant program for municipal sex trafficking prevention programs.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action opposes HB 1113 because it violates the principle of limited government. 

We note that the fiscal implications of this bill are unable to be calculated with certainty by the Legislative Budget Board. However, with an average daily cost per inpatient bed of $562.21, this bill would create the potential for a heavy expense for the state should services be utilized by large numbers of persons.

Finally, the task of coordinating care and aid for victims of sexual trafficking is more appropriately within the domain of charitable, nonprofit, and faith-based organizations which tend to operate on a much more cost effective basis and have the ability to more quickly adapt to changing conditions as may be necessary.

We do acknowledge that he contract prohibition language is significantly improved since we first reported on this bill in the House.