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Bill

HB 2318

Relating to the establishment of a statewide human trafficking data repository within the office of the attorney general and to reporting of human trafficking data to the office of the attorney general and by the attorney general.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Senfronia Thompson

Creates statewide human trafficking database in Texas Attorney General's office requiring agencies to report cases for coordinated tracking and public reporting on trafficking patterns.

Reported favorably as substituted
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Bill Summary · HB 2318

Legislative bill overview

HB 2318 establishes a centralized statewide database within the Texas Attorney General's office to collect and track human trafficking data from law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and other relevant entities. The bill requires these agencies to report trafficking incidents, cases, and outcomes to this repository, which the Attorney General would then analyze and report on publicly.

Why is this important

Human trafficking is a serious crime affecting vulnerable populations, and currently there is no unified system tracking trafficking cases across Texas. This bill would create visibility into the scope of trafficking in the state, identify trends and patterns, and enable better-coordinated law enforcement response. Better data can also inform policymakers on where resources are needed and whether existing anti-trafficking efforts are effective.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy and victim protection concerns: Centralizing trafficking data raises questions about how personal information of victims will be protected, especially given that some victims may fear law enforcement or have immigration concerns
  • Implementation and compliance burden: Law enforcement agencies may face administrative costs and staffing challenges reporting to a statewide database, and enforcement mechanisms for non-compliance are unclear
  • Data standardization: Different jurisdictions may use different definitions or categories for trafficking cases, making meaningful statewide comparison and analysis difficult without clear standards

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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