The bill amends the Texas Penal Code to enhance the prosecution of offenses related to the trafficking of persons, specifically concerning trafficked children and disabled individuals. It introduces new legal language in Section 20A.02 by adding Subsection (e), which clarifies that in prosecutions for offenses where a trafficked child or disabled individual is alleged to have engaged in or become a victim of prostitution, it is not a valid defense that the individual lacked the culpable mental state to engage in prostitution or did not complete the act. Similarly, Section 20A.03 is amended to include Subsection (f), which establishes the same conditions for prosecutions based on conduct constituting offenses under Section 20A.02.

The bill stipulates that the changes will only apply to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that any offenses committed prior to this date will be governed by the existing law. This approach aims to strengthen legal accountability for those who exploit vulnerable individuals through trafficking and prostitution.

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