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Senate Bill 1831 |
Senate Author: Taylor et al. |
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Effective: 9-1-21 |
House Sponsor: Thompson, Senfronia et al. |
Senate Bill 1831 amends the Education Code, Government Code, and Penal Code to enhance the penalty for a trafficking of persons offense if the actor committed the offense on or within a specified distance of the premises of a public or private primary or secondary school or premises where a school function or a University Interscholastic League event was taking place. The bill increases the punishment for certain offenses involving the solicitation of prostitution in those same locations. The bill increases the punishment for online solicitation of a minor if the actor committed the offense during regular primary or secondary school hours and the actor knew or reasonably should have known that the minor was enrolled in a primary or secondary school at the time of the offense.
Senate Bill 1831 requires each public or private primary or secondary school to post warning signs at specified locations regarding the enhanced penalties for trafficking of persons and sets out related requirements. Implementation by the Texas Education Agency of certain provisions of the bill relating to the supply of warning signs to schools is mandatory only if a specific appropriation is made for that purpose.
Senate Bill 1831 requires the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation to require the inclusion of information relating to human trafficking prevention in the curriculum of any driver education or driving safety course. The bill revises requirements for specified entities, including certain alcohol licensees, a cosmetology facility, a hospital, a massage establishment or school, a tattoo studio, a sexually oriented business, and a state park or state recreational site, to post a certain sign relating to human trafficking or a substantially similar sign or notice, as applicable. The bill revises requirements for the attorney general to prescribe the sign's design and content and establishes a civil penalty for violations of the posting requirements.