H.B. No. 5360 amends the Government Code and the Penal Code to enhance the prosecution of human trafficking offenses in Texas. It introduces a new Subchapter D to Chapter 402, which establishes the attorney general's jurisdiction to prosecute certain criminal offenses under Chapter 20A of the Penal Code. Specifically, the bill mandates that law enforcement agencies must submit reports of probable cause to both local prosecuting attorneys and the attorney general. If six months pass without the local prosecutor initiating proceedings, the attorney general is authorized to take over the prosecution of the case.

Additionally, the bill adds Section 20A.05 to the Penal Code, which explicitly states that the attorney general shall represent the state in prosecuting offenses under this chapter as outlined in the new subchapter. The changes made by this Act 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.

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