The bill amends the Texas Penal Code by adding Section 8.09, which establishes an affirmative defense for individuals who are victims of trafficking or compelling prostitution. Under this new provision, a defendant can argue that they engaged in the conduct leading to prosecution as a direct result of being a victim of force, fraud, or coercion. The affirmative defense applies only if specific conditions are met, including that the defendant would not have engaged in the conduct without such coercion and that a reasonable person in similar circumstances would have acted similarly.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the definition of "force, fraud, or coercion" aligns with existing definitions in Section 20A.02. It allows for the introduction of evidence relevant to a defendant's status as a victim to support the affirmative defense. Importantly, the bill specifies that the new law applies only to offenses committed on or after its effective date, ensuring that prior offenses are governed by the law in effect at the time they were committed. The act is set to take effect 91 days after the conclusion of the legislative session.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()