BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2978

By: Hull

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerns have been raised that large events that promote local economic development and host out-of-town visitors may attract unsavory elements and criminal activity, including increased human trafficking. Many locations and businesses are already required to post signs relating to human trafficking awareness and services for victims, such as at transportation hubs, salons, and alcoholic beverage license holder premises. It has been suggested that similar signs be posted at events receiving state funding from event reimbursement programs. H.B. 2978 seeks to address this issue by requiring certain agreements relating to these programs to provide for the posting of human trafficking signs at a game or event.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the office of the governor in SECTION 1 of this bill.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 2978 amends the Government Code to require an agreement under provisions relating to event reimbursement programs between the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office, an endorsing county or municipality, or a local organizing committee and a site selection organization that includes a financial commitment by the state or a county or municipality of the state to contain a written verification that the site selection organization will prominently post throughout the location of the game or event signs with information on services and assistance available to victims of human trafficking. The bill requires the office of the governor, in consultation with the human trafficking prevention coordinating council, by rule to prescribe the sign format and manner of posting the signs. The bill requires a site selection organization's plan regarding the prevention of the trafficking of persons in connection with an event that receives funding through the major events reimbursement program to provide for the posting of the signs and includes the council as a recipient of the plan.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.