Texas Representatives of the House have unanimously voted in favor of passing Senate Bill 315.
The anti-human trafficking initiative would implement further restrictions on the minimum required age to work or partake in sex-related businesses, making a violation a criminal offense.
"Thank you Sen. @JoanHuffman and Rep. @Toddahunter for championing #SB315, a crucial bill that helps combat human trafficking related to sexually-oriented businesses. Because of their efforts, SB315 just passed its third reading. Texas is committed to eradicating human trafficking," Gov. Greg Abbott wrote.
A similar proposal, House Bill 3520, suggests raising the minimum age for workers in sexually-oriented businesses to 21. State Rep. Jacey Jetton stands in favor of the bill, drafted by Chairman Todd Hunter. Currently being reviewed by the Subcommittee on Business and Occupational Regulation, it must be voted out of the Committee on Licensing and Administrative Procedures before officially reaching the house.
Bill 315 derived from an incident in which a lobbyist allegedly drugged a Capitol staffer. To tackle the State of Texas, human-trafficking rates, the second-highest in the country, a total of four related bills were filed for the 87(R) legislative session, two of which have transitioned past the committee. HB 1655 received approval late last month by the Licensing and Administrative Procedures Committee, receiving the state Attorney General Office’s support as they believe the restrictions would help law officials crack down on the crime.
“It’s caused the legislation to respond in a strong manner. It’s a reminder that we must change the culture in how we treat young women. We will no longer look away when they are sexually abused, assaulted or placed in these [sexually oriented business] environments,” Rep. Shawn Thierry said.
Advocates also agree with the proposed bills. According to Jetton, who oversees District 26, including the highly affected Fort Bend County, states that “79,000 young adults and minors have been trafficked in the state.” Data suggest that children between the ages of nine and 13 are most vulnerable to human trafficking.
“The Texas Legislature must find solutions to combat the human trafficking. Data indicates raising the minimum age on sexually oriented businesses will be a beneficial step in this process. As leaders in Texas, we must also continue educating people about the realities of human trafficking.”