S.B. No. 2105 amends the Business & Commerce Code to enhance the authority of county and district attorneys in Texas regarding the enforcement of human trafficking awareness and prevention in commercial lodging establishments. The bill allows these attorneys, alongside the attorney general, to provide written notice to operators of commercial lodging establishments suspected of violations, detailing the nature of the violation and the potential civil penalties if not cured within 30 days. Additionally, it specifies that actions to recover civil penalties or seek injunctive relief can be initiated by county or district attorneys, with the requirement that they notify the attorney general before proceeding.

The bill also outlines the jurisdiction for bringing actions, stating that such actions by county or district attorneys must occur in the district court of the county where the violation or threatened violation takes place. Furthermore, it establishes that any civil penalties recovered by county or district attorneys will be payable to the respective county where the court is located. This legislation is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Commerce Code 114.0102, Commerce Code 114.0104 (Commerce Code 114)
Senate Committee Report: Commerce Code 114.0102, Commerce Code 114.0104 (Commerce Code 114)
Engrossed: Commerce Code 114.0102, Commerce Code 114.0104 (Commerce Code 114)