BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center	H.B. 2529
85R19808 LHC-F	By: Meyer et al. (Huffman)
	Criminal Justice
	5/18/2017
	Engrossed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

H.B. 2529 amends the Penal Code to specify that the definition of "coercion" into prostitution includes destroying, concealing, confiscating, or withholding (or threatening to destroy, conceal, etc.) a trafficked person's government records, or identifying information or documents. H.B. 2529 also includes, in the definition of "coercion," if a person is supported financially or controls the proceeds from prostitution, the promotion of prostitution, aggravated promotion of prostitution, or compelling prostitution of the trafficked person.

 

H.B. 2529 amends current law relating to the definition of coercion for purposes of the offense of trafficking of persons.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

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

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1. Amends Section 20A.02, Penal Code, by adding Subsection (a-1), as follows:

 

(a-1) Defines "coercion" to include:

 

(1) destroying, concealing, confiscating, or withholding from the trafficked person, or threatening to destroy, conceal, confiscate, or withhold from the trafficked person, the trafficked person's actual or purported government records or identifying information or documents;

 

(2) receiving any form of support, whether financial or otherwise, from the proceeds of a certain activity; or

 

(3) controlling the proceeds of a certain activity.

 

SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.

 

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2017.