CHILDREN AT RISK is pleased to announce the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 24 (Van de Putte) today!
This omnibus bill is a major achievement in the anti-trafficking movement and strengthens efforts to punish traffickers, end demand, and protect child victims of this horrible crime. Some of the highlights of Senate Bill 24 include:
- Strengthening the law around domestic sex trafficking and compelling prostitution (CHILDREN AT RISK views this as extremely important considering the average age of entry to domestic sex trafficking is 12).
- Holding those who benefit from the acts of trafficking accountable.
- Mandating those that have been prosecuted for sex trafficking to register as a sex offender.
- Terminating the parent-child relationship for those parents that traffic or allow their child to be trafficked.
These are just a few steps taken in Senate Bill 24 to address human trafficking in Texas. However, it is clear that this bill advances the ability for the state to prosecute, detain, and deter traffickers and definitely shows that human trafficking is not tolerated in Texas.
CHILDREN AT RISK would like to thank Senator Van de Putte and Representative Thompson for their leadership and all members of the Texas Legislature for their efforts in the fight against human trafficking and for making it their priority this session!
How you can help: The final step is to have Governor Perry sign the bill. Please contact the Governor at (800) 252-9600 or send an email to request his signature on Senate Bill 24!
Coming Soon: Please join us for Human Trafficking Advocacy Day on April 27th on the South Steps at noon!