State Representative David Acton (R-Fort Worth, District 91) has called on legislative leadership to prioritize the North Texas Highway Anti-Trafficking Act for immediate consideration when the Texas House convenes in January 2026. Acton filed the bill in late December, emphasizing the urgent need for measures to disrupt human trafficking along Texas highways, particularly in major North Texas corridors such as I-35W, I-20, and I-30. In a statement, Acton highlighted the ongoing risk of human trafficking, stating, “Every day that passes without stronger safeguards on our highways puts vulnerable people—often women and young boys and girls—at greater risk.” He noted that North Texas serves as a key transit point for criminal networks involved in human trafficking and expressed the need for a targeted solution through the proposed legislation. The North Texas Highway Anti-Trafficking Act includes several key provisions aimed at enhancing law enforcement capabilities and community awareness. These provisions consist of: - Mandatory advanced human trafficking training for highway patrol officers in larger counties. - A voluntary “Truckers Against Trafficking” certification program, which would provide vehicle decals and rewards of up to $1,000 for drivers whose credible tips lead to rescues or arrests. - Increased targeted patrols by the Department of Public Safety along high-risk North Texas routes. - Expanded outreach efforts at rest areas and truck stops, along with grants for local law enforcement to fund anti-trafficking operations. - A dedicated funding allocation of $5 million to implement these measures effectively. Acton is urging his colleagues and legislative leadership to support the bill’s swift passage, framing it as a bipartisan issue focused on saving lives and preventing exploitation. “I’m ready to work with anyone who shares the goal of making our highways safer from this horrific crime,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of getting the bill heard and passed early in the legislative session. The Texas Legislature is set to convene in January 2026, and Acton is advocating for the North Texas Highway Anti-Trafficking Act to be among the first measures considered to ensure rapid deployment of critical resources aimed at combating human trafficking in the region.