TX Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force

For the last day of #HumanTraffickingPreventionMonth, we’re highlighting efforts to help survivors of trafficking. Thank you to the Office of @GovAbbott for supporting this important work through the 2022 Connecting Human Trafficking Victims to Services Grant. #txlege @TXHTPCC

In 2021, #Texas had 1,586,655 online commercial sex ads from 238,489 unique profiles. #TexansAreNotForSale Help spread awareness by learning how to prevent, recognize and report #humantrafficking ➡️ texasattorneygeneral.gov/initiatives/hu… #HumanTraffickingPreventionMonth

Texans wear blue to spread human trafficking awareness. #texansarenotforsale #endtraffickingintx #WearBlueDay

Please join us in showing human trafficking victims that they will not fall through the cracks in Texas by joining in our Texas Blue Sand projects. Take a picture and tag #TXBlueSandProject. #TexansAreNotforSale, #endhumantraffickinginTX, #endhumantrafficking

Art and writing contest to raise awareness about the realities of human trafficking: All high school students in the state of Texas are encouraged to submit an original work in creative writing, poetry, drawing, painting, or photography. Submissions must be received by January 31

Welcome Human Trafficking Awareness Month.  Here is a sign designed to be posted in commercial establishments, including restaurants, massage industries, transportation hubs, etc.  When you see the sign at a business near you, use #TexansAreNotForSale and tag us @TXHTPTF.

The TXHTPTF celebrates the passing and signing of this monumental legislation! The significance of all that was done in the 87th Session to combat HT in Texas cannot be overstated. #txlege

The 87th Session also brought expanded protections for trafficking victims! Those affected will have access to more resources with an emphasis on removing unnecessary obstacles and avoiding re-traumatization.

Next up, we have House Bills 1005 and 465. HB 1005 will add conditions of release on bond for defendants charged with trafficking, and HB 465 will waive parole eligibility for many child traffickers. These will be a critical support to law enforcement and prosecutors!

The 87th Legislative Session provided some critical victories for human trafficking policy. This week, we'll be featuring some newly passed laws that will bolster the state's efforts to combat traffickers with enhanced tools and protect victims where they're most vulnerable.

Task Force Omnibus House Bill 1540 was signed today by @GovAbbott thanks to the input and advocacy of so many individuals, agencies, and organizations. This legislation will offer protections for victims and provide broader tools to investigate and prosecute perpetrators. #txlege

Task Force rec Senate Bill 315 has been signed by the Governor! This bill will raise the age of employment in sexually oriented businesses from 18 to 21, prohibit sexually oriented businesses from allowing minors on the premises, and hold offending businesses accountable. #txlege

Huge news: Task Force recommendation HB 1540 has passed the Senate with HB 2795 and SB 1831 attached as amendments. The policy implications are on our legislative recommendations sheet here, and the committee substitute can be found at: legiscan.com/TX/text/HB1540…

Commercial lodging establishments are top venues for human trafficking in Texas. HB 390 by Rep. @Senfronia4Texas and Senator @joanhuffman was signed by the Governor, which will require training for employees and trafficking signage at these hotspots. #txlege

Task Force recommendation HB 2795 was passed to engrossment in the @TexasHouse late last night! This bill goes after the demand-side by distinguishing the offense of purchasing sex from the offense of selling sex. Other HT bills passed: HBs 3110, 162 and 2290. #txlege

Human trafficking does not discriminate. It forces men, women and children into a cycle of labor and abuse. I co-sponsored HB 390 to help combat this horrible crime and prevent future victims. The Legislature sent this bill to the Governor's desk! #txlege

Tomorrow the @TexasHouse will hear 3 human trafficking bills- HB 2795 (making sex buying a felony), 162 (prohibiting children under 18 from being prosecuted for prostitution) and HB 2290 (expanding the duress defense.) Tune in below! house.texas.gov/video-audio/

Task Force Recommendation SB 315 passed the @TexasHouse and is headed to the Governor's desk! Sexually oriented businesses are a high-risk location for trafficking. This bill will help prevent the exploitation of minors at these businesses statewide. #txlege