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Relating to the prosecution and punishment of the offense of smuggling of persons.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
SB 576 would remove the requirement that a person must be seeking a monetary benefit to have committed the criminal offense of smuggling of persons. Instead, seeking a monetary benefit while committing the offense would become grounds for an enhancement from a third-degree felony to a second-degree felony. The possession of a firearm by the actor or any other parties to the offense and evasion of law enforcement would also become grounds for the enhanced penalty.
SB 576 would also include guiding two or more individuals
into agricultural land without the effective consent of the owner in the
offense of smuggling of persons.
Texas Action is neutral on SB 576 as it does not touch directly upon any of our Liberty Principles.