H.B. No. 2761 amends the Texas Penal Code to strengthen the prosecution of offenses related to the trafficking of persons, continuous trafficking of persons, and compelling prostitution. The bill introduces new legal language that specifies that in prosecutions for offenses involving trafficked children or disabled individuals, it is not a defense that the victim lacked the culpable mental state to engage in prostitution or that they did not complete the act of prostitution. This provision is added to Sections 20A.02 and 20A.03, which address trafficking offenses, as well as Section 43.05, which pertains to compelling prostitution.

The changes made by this Act will only apply to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. Offenses committed prior to this date will be governed by the law in effect at that time, ensuring that the previous legal standards remain applicable for those cases. This legislative update aims to enhance the legal framework surrounding the protection of vulnerable individuals from exploitation in prostitution-related offenses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()
House Committee Report: ()
Engrossed: Penal Code 43.05 (Penal Code 43)
Senate Committee Report: Penal Code 43.05 (Penal Code 43)
Enrolled: Penal Code 43.05 (Penal Code 43)