Senate Bill No. 955 aims to amend the Penal Code regarding the punishment for the offense of trafficking persons. The bill reenacts and modifies Section 20A.02(b) to classify certain trafficking offenses as felonies of the first degree under specific circumstances, such as when the offense results in serious bodily injury or death, involves the use of a deadly weapon, or when the trafficker recruits or entices the victim from specific vulnerable locations, including shelters for runaway youth or correctional facilities. Notably, the language regarding the death of an unborn child has been retained, while the previous mention of certain locations has been updated to include additional facilities.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 20A.02(b-1) to establish that trafficking offenses committed in proximity to various institutions, such as schools and juvenile detention facilities, will also be classified as felonies of the first degree, punishable by significant prison terms. The bill specifies that these changes will only apply to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that any offenses occurring prior to this date will be governed by the laws in effect at that time.