Texas is called a hotbed for human trafficking, size, population and location of this state adds to the problem of slavery. Gov. Rick Perry said he will not tolerate this crime in Texas and has encouraged law-makers to get tough on human trafficking. They heard him loud and clear by introducing 2 new bills that give tougher penalties for traffickers, and life in prison for repeat offender. Right now one of these bills is close to become law as it already passed through the Senate.
SB 24 was introduced by Sen. Liticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio. She has been fighting against human trafficking for years and last year introduced similar legislature. This year the new bill is on the final stages of becoming law. "As startling as it is to imagine that human trafficking is occurring in our state, the reality is that this form of modern day slavery does take place," Sen. Van de Putte
Another bill introduced in the House HB 7 will also help in the fight against this crime and was sponsored by Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston. Sen. Van de Putte calls the bills "24/7" in the fight against human trafficking.
Gov. Perry and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott have made it very clear that they want to get tough on human trafficking. Through new laws and equipping law enforcement with the tools needed to assist in convictions.
Both bills contain proposals from the Attorney General's Task Force on Human Trafficking. That include creating a new offense for compelling prostitution for adult and child victims, stronger parole requirements for trafficking offenses that require offenders to serve longer prison time, stronger restrictions on bond release. "By continuing to foster cooperation among law enforcement agencies at all levels, Texas will become increasingly hostile territory for human traffickers."said Attorney General Gregg Abbott.
Shared hope International gave Texas a "C" because they believed that Texas
legislature was weak on traffickers. Maybe with the new laws that are been introduced, Texas will become a model state in the end of human trafficking.
Comments