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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the creation of a governor's program for victims of |
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child sex trafficking. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Chapter 772, Government Code, is amended by |
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adding Section 772.0063 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 772.0063. GOVERNOR'S PROGRAM FOR VICTIMS OF CHILD SEX |
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TRAFFICKING. (a) The governor shall establish and implement a |
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program to provide comprehensive, individualized services to |
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address the rehabilitation and treatment needs of child victims of |
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an offense under Section 20A.02(a)(7) or (8), Penal Code. |
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(b) The governor shall appoint a director of the program to |
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serve at the pleasure of the governor. |
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(c) The director of the program shall coordinate with state |
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and local law enforcement agencies, state agencies, and service |
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providers to identify victims of child sex trafficking who are |
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eligible to receive services under the program. |
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(d) For each victim of child sex trafficking identified by |
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the director, the program shall immediately facilitate the |
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assignment of a caseworker to the victim to coordinate with local |
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service providers to create a customized package of services to fit |
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the victim's immediate and long-term rehabilitation and treatment |
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needs. Services provided under the program must address all |
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aspects of the medical, psychiatric, psychological, safety, and |
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housing needs of victims. |
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SECTION 2. The governor shall establish the governor's |
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program for victims of child sex trafficking and appoint a director |
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of the program, as required by Section 772.0063, Government Code, |
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as added by this Act, as soon as practicable and not later than |
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December 1, 2016. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015. |