Municipalities in Texas are set to gain new powers to combat human trafficking in hotels and motels following the Senate Committee on Local Government's discussions on House Bill 5509 during their meeting on May 26, 2025. This legislation aims to provide local governments with the ability to suspend or revoke the certificate of occupancy for establishments suspected of facilitating trafficking activities, a significant step in protecting vulnerable individuals.

Under the proposed bill, local authorities can take action if law enforcement presents an affidavit of probable cause indicating that human trafficking is occurring at a hotel, and a court issues an order confirming these findings. This dual requirement is designed to ensure that municipalities can act swiftly and effectively against businesses that may be complicit in trafficking, rather than waiting for lengthy criminal proceedings to conclude.

The committee also discussed a substitute version of the bill, which includes clarifying language requested by the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association. This clarification emphasizes that municipalities must adhere to established procedures for suspending or revoking certificates of occupancy, ensuring consistency across different types of businesses.

The implications of this legislation are significant, as it empowers local governments to take immediate action against establishments that pose a risk to public safety and welfare. By enabling quicker responses to suspected trafficking activities, the bill aims to enhance the protection of vulnerable individuals and strengthen community efforts against human trafficking.

As the bill moves forward, stakeholders are hopeful that these new tools will lead to more proactive measures in addressing this critical issue within Texas communities.