84R18800 TSR-D
 
  By: Thompson of Harris H.B. No. 2511
 
  Substitute the following for H.B. No. 2511:
 
  By:  Giddings C.S.H.B. No. 2511
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the creation of the human trafficking prevention
  business partnership.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 405, Government Code, is
  amended by adding Section 405.023 to read as follows:
         Sec. 405.023.  HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION BUSINESS
  PARTNERSHIP.  (a)  In this section, "partnership" means the human
  trafficking prevention business partnership.
         (b)  The secretary of state by rule shall establish and
  implement a program designated as the human trafficking prevention
  business partnership to engage participating corporations and
  other private entities in voluntary efforts to prevent and combat
  human trafficking.
         (c)  The secretary of state shall present a certificate of
  recognition to a participating corporation or private entity to
  recognize the corporation's or entity's contributions to the
  efforts of federal, state, and local officials engaged in
  combatting human trafficking and prosecuting human trafficking
  crimes.
         (d)  A corporation or other private entity that participates
  in the partnership shall:
               (1)  adopt a zero tolerance policy toward human
  trafficking;
               (2)  take measures to ensure that the corporation's or
  entity's employees comply with the policy adopted under Subdivision
  (1);
               (3)  participate in public awareness and education
  campaigns;
               (4)  enhance awareness of and encourage participation
  in the partnership; and
               (5)  share with the secretary of state best practices
  that are effective in combatting human trafficking.
         (e)  The secretary of state shall work collaboratively with
  other state agencies to promote the partnership.
         (f)  The secretary of state may use private and philanthropic
  resources to support the work of the partnership.
         SECTION 2.  Not later than December 1, 2015, the secretary of
  state shall establish the program designated as the human
  trafficking prevention business partnership as required under
  Section 405.023, Government Code, as added by this Act.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2015.