BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2290

By: Parker

Homeland Security & Public Safety

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Recently, the month of January was designated by presidential proclamation as the National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. This designation aided in spreading public awareness and educating individuals on how to avoid becoming a victim of human trafficking. Interested parties recognize a benefit to making a similar designation at the state level. H.B. 2290 seeks to complement federal efforts to increase human-trafficking related outreach and education.

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 this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 2290 amends the Government Code to designate January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month to increase awareness of human trafficking in an effort to encourage people to alert authorities to any suspected incidents involving human trafficking. The bill authorizes Human Trafficking Prevention Month to be regularly observed through appropriate activities in public schools and other places to increase awareness and prevention of human trafficking.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2015.