H.B. No. 45 amends the Civil Practice and Remedies Code and the Government Code to establish the Attorney General's authority to represent the state in prosecuting offenses related to human trafficking. Specifically, it introduces a new subchapter in the Government Code that outlines the procedures for local law enforcement agencies to report suspected trafficking offenses to both local prosecuting attorneys and the Attorney General. The bill mandates that if a local prosecuting attorney does not take action within 180 days of receiving such a report, the Attorney General may step in to prosecute the case. Additionally, it allows for local prosecuting attorneys to object to the Attorney General's involvement, with the court required to hold a hearing on such objections.

The bill also includes amendments to the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, adding new provisions regarding appeals related to motions for summary judgment filed by contractors and municipalities. The changes in law will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. This ensures that any offenses committed prior to this date will be governed by the laws in effect at that time.

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Enrolled: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 51.014 (Civil Practice and Remedies Code 51)