According
to a report published by the Human Trafficking Prevention Task force just a few
years ago, 1 out of every 5 victims of trafficking are trafficked on Interstate
10.
Criminal
enterprises are taking advantage of the large number of major national highways
that run through our state. While Texas has
been at the forefront of fighting trafficking by increasing penalties for
traffickers and focusing on the resources for the victims of this heinous
crime, this is not enough. We need the tools to go after the money these
criminal enterprises are making from this crime.
House
Bill 3241 would allow the attorney general to bring a civil suit in the name of
the state against a person or enterprise for the offense of racketeering
related to human trafficking. The attorney general is required to provide
notice to the prosecutors with jurisdiction. The bill further requires
coordination and cooperation with local prosecutors as to not interfere with
any ongoing investigations or prosecutions.
House
Bill 3241 allows for prosecutors to abate the suit if it is determined and
provides an 80/20 split with 80% going to the state, with first $10 million
going to Crime Victim Compensation Fund. The final 20% would be distributed on
a pro rata basis to law enforcement and attorneys that help with the suit.
We must punish those that engage in human trafficking and exploit these men, woman, and children, by hitting them where it hurts most, their pocket books.
