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House Bill 1363 |
House Author: Johnson et al. |
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Effective: Vetoed |
Senate Sponsor: Whitmire et al. |
House Bill 1363 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure, Family Code, Health and Safety Code, and Penal Code to revise the conduct that constitutes a prostitution offense and to reduce certain penalties associated with the offense. The bill provides for the dismissal of certain prostitution offenses pending successful completion of a prostitution prevention program and expands the required components of such a program.
Reason Given for Veto: "House Bill 1363 provides useful tools for courts when distinguishing between the offenses of prostitution and soliciting the services of a prostitute. This is a supportable goal, however this bill also reduces penalties for individuals convicted of prostitution on multiple occasions. Reducing penalties for willful repeat offenders is not in the best interest of the offender or the people of Texas. A better option for addressing the difference between prostitution and soliciting the services of a prostitute is Senate Bill 825, which does more to protect the victims of human trafficking and forced prostitution."