Texas strengthens fight against human trafficking with new laws ensuring offenders stay behind bars
Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott held a ceremonial signing at the Governor’s Mansion yesterday, finalizing two new laws that impose the toughest penalties to date on human traffickers in Texas. Surrounded by lawmakers, advocates, and survivors of trafficking, Abbott signed House Bill 2306 and Senate Bill 1212, both designed to keep traffickers of children and vulnerable Texans locked behind bars.
“I thank all the survivors of human trafficking for stepping up and telling their stories, sharing their insight, and talking about what needs to be done to help their lives,” said Governor Abbott. “We want to ensure that we do all we can so that human traffickers never walk the streets of Texas again. These two bills help achieve that goal. Senate Bill 1212 increases the penalty for all human trafficking offenses to a first degree felony. The worst of the worst are human traffickers of children and people with disabilities. House Bill 2306 ensures that those traffickers will serve every single day of their prison sentence behind bars, no parole for the worst of the worst.”
Details of the New Legislation
House Bill 2306, authored by Representative Denise Villalobos and Senator Tan Parker, removes the possibility of parole for defendants convicted of trafficking when the victim is either a child or a disabled individual. This provision ensures that offenders serve the full length of their sentence without early release.
Senate Bill 1212, led by Senator Angela Paxton and Representative Helen Kerwin, raises the severity of punishment for all human trafficking offenses by elevating them to first-degree felonies. This law strengthens the ability of prosecutors to secure harsher penalties and ensures traffickers face longer sentences.
Bipartisan Support and Advocacy
The Governor was joined by First Lady Cecilia Abbott, along with several senators and representatives, including Joan Huffman, Daniel Alders, David Cook, Paul Dyson, Marc LaHood, Terri Leo-Wilson, John Lujan, Shelly Luther, and Joanne Schofner. Survivors of trafficking and anti-human trafficking advocates were also present, highlighting the collective effort behind the push for tougher laws.
The ceremonial signing underscores Texas’s commitment to combating human trafficking, particularly crimes against children and people with disabilities. By eliminating parole options and increasing penalties, state leaders hope to send a clear message that Texas will continue to pursue traffickers relentlessly and ensure they remain behind bars for their crimes.
