By: Thompson of Harris 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.
    Chapter 405, Government Code, is amended by
  adding new Subchapter D, Section 405.041, to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER D. HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP
         Sec. 405.041.  HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION BUSINESS
  PARTNERSHIP. (a) In this section, "partnership" means the human
  trafficking prevention business partnership.
         (b)  The office of 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 office of 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 office of the secretary of state
  best practices that are effective in combatting human trafficking.
         (e)  The office of the secretary of state shall work
  collaboratively with other state agencies to promote the
  partnership.
         (f)  The office of 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 office of
  the secretary of state shall establish the program designated as
  the human trafficking prevention business partnership as required
  under Section 405.041, 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.