The bill would amend various codes as they relate to trafficking of persons, online solicitation of a minor, and prostitution and to the dissemination of certain information, including the required posting of certain signs, regarding human trafficking. Under the provisions of the bill, criminal penalties for certain offenses would be increased or enhanced to the next higher offense level if it involved a school as outlined in the bill. Additionally, certain entities would have requirements related to warning signs about trafficking of persons and violations of certain rules could be subject to a civil penalty as outlined in the bill.
It is assumed the costs associated with the bill's provisions relating to the inclusion of information relating to human trafficking prevention in the curriculum of driver education and driving safety courses could be absorbed using existing resources. The Office of Court Administration, Office of the Attorney General, Parks and Wildlife, Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation, Texas Education Agency, and Texas Department of Criminal Justice indicate the modifications outlined in the bill's provisions would not result in a significant fiscal impact. According to the Comptroller's Office, the fiscal impact of the bill cannot be determined as the number of cases of noncompliance that would result in penalty revenue is unknown. This analysis assumes implementing the provisions of the bill addressing felony sanctions would not result in a significant impact on the demand for state correctional resources.
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.