Bill would let local prosecutors sue hotels that fail to require human-trafficking training for staff
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Summary
The committee heard and adopted a committee substitute to Senate Bill 2105 that gives counties and district attorneys authority to bring civil suits against lodging establishments that do not comply with state-required human-trafficking awareness and prevention training, after notifying the Attorney General's office.
Senator Blanco said the committee substitute to Senate Bill 2105 is aimed at recurring examples of human trafficking tied to hotels and motels, including cases in El Paso where victims reported abuse and staff took no action.
Under existing law the Attorney General holds primary enforcement authority for lodging establishments’ training obligations; the committee substitute would allow local prosecutors to file civil actions after notifying the AG, effectively making local officials “force multipliers” for enforcement.
Aaron Setliff, division chief in the El Paso County Attorney’s Office and a former human-trafficking prosecutor, told the committee he found several local lodging businesses that had not complied with the training requirement and said local offices were well positioned to bring injunctive relief to compel compliance.
Justin Bridal, general counsel for the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association, said the industry supported stronger enforcement and training compliance and welcomed collaboration with county and district attorneys.
The committee adopted the committee substitute and reported the substitute to the full Senate with a favorable recommendation.