H.B. No. 1778 seeks to strengthen Texas's legal framework in addressing human trafficking, prostitution, and child pornography by amending existing laws and introducing new provisions. The bill mandates district and county courts to report specific offenses related to human trafficking and prostitution, while establishing a statewide human trafficking data repository managed by the attorney general. It also creates a task force to report on human trafficking activities and emphasizes the need for training in professions such as cosmetology and body piercing to help identify and report potential trafficking situations. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the confidentiality of sensitive information related to victims and suspects.

The bill further amends the Penal Code and the Occupations Code, introducing new sections that clarify definitions and penalties for trafficking offenses, particularly concerning minors and individuals with disabilities. It establishes a new offense for "continuous promotion of prostitution" and revises conditions for bail and community supervision for trafficking-related defendants. The bill also enhances penalties for child pornography offenses and redefines "person with a disability" to align with existing definitions. Importantly, the changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, ensuring that prior offenses are governed by the laws in effect at the time they were committed.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 402.034, Government Code 402.0351, Subchapter G, Chapter , Occupations Code 402.0351, Penal Code 43.021, Health and Safety Code 169.002, Occupations Code 455.005, Occupations Code 455.251, Penal Code 43.26, Penal Code 38.17 (Subchapter G, Chapter , Occupations Code 402, Occupations Code 455, Government Code 402, Penal Code 38, Penal Code 43, Health and Safety Code 169)
House Committee Report: Government Code 402.034, Government Code 402.0351, Subchapter G, Chapter , Occupations Code 402.0351, Penal Code 43.021, Health and Safety Code 169.002, Occupations Code 455.005, Occupations Code 455.251, Penal Code 43.26, Penal Code 38.17 (Subchapter G, Chapter , Occupations Code 402, Occupations Code 455, Government Code 402, Penal Code 38, Penal Code 43, Health and Safety Code 169)
Engrossed: Government Code 71.0353, Government Code 43.05, Government Code 402.035, Government Code 402.0351, Subchapter G, Chapter , Occupations Code 402.0351, Penal Code 43.021, Health and Safety Code 169.002, Occupations Code 455.005, Occupations Code 455.251, Penal Code 43.26, Penal Code 38.17 (Subchapter G, Chapter , Occupations Code 402, Government Code 43, Occupations Code 455, Government Code 71, Government Code 402, Penal Code 38, Penal Code 43, Health and Safety Code 169)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 71.0353, Government Code 43.05, Government Code 402.035, Government Code 402.0351, Subchapter G, Chapter , Occupations Code 402.0351, Penal Code 43.021, Health and Safety Code 169.002, Occupations Code 455.005, Occupations Code 455.251, Penal Code 43.26, Penal Code 38.17 (Subchapter G, Chapter , Occupations Code 402, Government Code 43, Occupations Code 455, Government Code 71, Government Code 402, Penal Code 38, Penal Code 43, Health and Safety Code 169)
Enrolled: Government Code 71.0353, Government Code 43.05, Government Code 402.035, Government Code 402.0351, Subchapter G, Chapter , Occupations Code 402.0351, Penal Code 43.021, Health and Safety Code 169.002, Occupations Code 455.005, Occupations Code 455.251, Penal Code 43.26, Penal Code 38.17 (Subchapter G, Chapter , Occupations Code 402, Government Code 43, Occupations Code 455, Government Code 71, Government Code 402, Penal Code 38, Penal Code 43, Health and Safety Code 169)