The bill, S.B. No. 1829, aims to enhance human trafficking prevention efforts in Texas by mandating training for first responders and requiring health care facilities to disclose information related to human trafficking. It introduces Chapter 763 to the Health and Safety Code, which outlines the definitions and requirements for training first responders on identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking. The executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission is tasked with approving training courses and maintaining a list of these courses on the commission's website. Additionally, emergency departments and freestanding emergency medical care facilities are required to display signs that inform staff about the necessity of human trafficking training and protect employees from retaliation for reporting suspected trafficking incidents.

The bill also amends existing sections of the Health and Safety Code to include provisions that prohibit discrimination and retaliation against employees who report suspected human trafficking. Specifically, it requires hospitals and freestanding emergency medical care facilities to post signs with information on recognizing and reporting human trafficking, as well as contact details for reporting suspicious activities. The signs must be visible to all employees and available in multiple languages. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and includes provisions for the executive commissioner and the attorney general to implement the necessary rules and designs for the required signage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 241.011, Subchapter A, Chapter , Health and Safety Code 245.025 (Health and Safety Code 241, Subchapter A, Chapter , Health and Safety Code 245)