LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 80TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 15, 2007

TO:	Honorable Aaron Pena, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB3370 by Thompson (Relating to the prosecution of the offense of trafficking of persons.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Penal Code by broadening the definition of forced labor or services as it relates to the offense of trafficking of persons.  The bill would also broaden the definition of traffic to include obtaining another person for transport by any means.

 

The bill would amend the Penal Code by including in the offense of trafficking of persons: 1) trafficking another person with the knowledge the trafficked person will engage in forced labor or services or conduct that constitutes public indecency and 2) intentionally or knowingly benefiting from a venture that involves forced labor or services or conduct that constitutes public indecency.

 

The bill would take effect on September 1, 2007 and apply to an offense committed on or after that date.

 

Broadening the definition of the types of behavior punishable is expected to result in increased demands upon the correctional resources of counties or of the State due to an increase in offenses.  It is assumed the number of persons convicted under this statute would not result in a significant impact on programs and workload of state corrections agencies or on the demand for resources and services of those agencies.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

696 Department of Criminal Justice

LBB Staff:

JOB, ES, GG, TM