The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice convened on May 13, 2025, to discuss critical legislation addressing human trafficking in Texas. The meeting focused on two significant bills: House Bill 1778 and House Bill 45, both aimed at enhancing the state's response to human trafficking cases.

The session began with a discussion on House Bill 1778, which aims to improve training for individuals who may encounter victims of trafficking. A committee member highlighted the importance of recognizing signs of trafficking, noting that victims often exhibit behaviors influenced by their circumstances, such as Stockholm syndrome. The member expressed interest in obtaining training materials to better equip drivers, particularly those involved in the Truckers Against Traffic initiative, to identify potential victims.

Following this, the committee moved to public testimony regarding House Bill 1778. However, no individuals registered to testify, leading to the closure of public testimony. The committee then voted on the bill, which passed unanimously with six votes in favor and none against. The Chair recommended that House Bill 1778 be reported to the full Senate for further consideration.

The meeting then transitioned to House Bill 45, introduced by Senator Huffman. This bill addresses the complexities of prosecuting human trafficking cases, which often involve uncooperative victims and crimes spanning multiple jurisdictions. Senator Huffman explained that the bill requires local law enforcement to submit probable cause reports to the Attorney General's office, in addition to local prosecutors. If local prosecutors do not act within six months, the Attorney General can step in to prosecute the case, utilizing specialized resources dedicated to human trafficking.

Senator Huffman emphasized the necessity of this legislation, citing the unique challenges faced by local prosecutors in handling such cases. The bill aims to ensure that all available resources are directed toward prosecuting human trafficking offenses effectively.

In conclusion, the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice made significant strides in addressing human trafficking through the discussions and approvals of House Bill 1778 and House Bill 45. Both bills are set to advance to the full Senate, reflecting a commitment to combatting this pressing issue in Texas.