The bill, H.B. No. 491, amends Section 455.351 of the Occupations Code to establish specific guidelines for the allocation of civil penalties collected for violations of massage therapy regulations. It introduces a new subsection (f-1) that mandates that civil penalties recovered by district or county attorneys be deposited into the general fund of the respective county, specifically earmarked for combatting human trafficking. Similarly, penalties recovered by municipal attorneys are to be deposited into the general fund of the municipality, also designated for the same purpose.

This legislative change aims to enhance the fight against human trafficking by ensuring that funds collected from violations in the massage therapy sector are utilized directly for related anti-trafficking efforts. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Occupations Code 455.351 (Occupations Code 455)
House Committee Report: Occupations Code 455.351 (Occupations Code 455)
Engrossed: Occupations Code 455.351 (Occupations Code 455)