North Texas Highway Anti-Trafficking Act

An Act Relating to Enhanced Training and Resources for Combating Human Trafficking Along Texas Highways, with a Focus on North Texas Corridors; Providing Additional Funding and Coordination for Law Enforcement and Commercial Drivers. Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas: Section 1. Short Title This Act may be cited as the “North Texas Highway Anti-Trafficking Act.” Section 2. Findings and Purpose The Legislature finds that Texas highways, particularly major corridors such as Interstate 35W, Interstate 20, and Interstate 30 in North Texas, serve as primary routes for human trafficking operations due to high traffic volume and proximity to population centers. Human trafficking victims are frequently transported by commercial vehicles, and increased awareness among truck drivers and law enforcement officers can lead to more identifications, rescues, and prosecutions. The purpose of this Act is to strengthen state efforts to combat human trafficking by providing targeted training, resources, and coordination for law enforcement agencies and commercial motor vehicle operators in high-risk areas, while supporting broader border security and public safety initiatives. Section 3. Human Trafficking Training for Law Enforcement (a) The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) shall develop and make available an advanced human trafficking recognition and response training program specifically tailored for officers patrolling major highways. (b) Peace officers assigned to highway patrol or traffic enforcement duties in counties with populations over 500,000 must complete this advanced training at least once every four years. (c) The training shall include identification of trafficking indicators in commercial vehicles, safe intervention techniques, victim-centered interviewing, and coordination with federal and state anti-trafficking task forces. Section 4. Truck Driver Awareness and Reporting Program (a) The Department of Public Safety (DPS), in partnership with the Texas Trucking Association and the Department of Motor Vehicles, shall establish a voluntary “Truckers Against Trafficking” certification program. (b) Commercial driver’s license holders may complete a state-approved human trafficking awareness course (online or in-person) to receive certification and a decal for their vehicles indicating participation. (c) Certified drivers who report credible tips leading to the rescue of a trafficking victim or the arrest of a trafficker shall be eligible for recognition and a monetary reward of up to $1,000 from a dedicated fund. Section 5. Enhanced Highway Patrol and Coordination (a) The Department of Public Safety shall allocate additional troopers and resources for targeted anti-trafficking patrols along designated high-risk corridors, including I-35W through Fort Worth, I-20, and connecting routes in North Texas. (b) DPS shall establish or expand rest area and truck stop outreach programs where officers and trained volunteers distribute awareness materials and conduct briefings for drivers. (c) Local law enforcement agencies in affected counties may apply for grants to fund overtime, equipment, or joint operations focused on trafficking interdiction. Section 6. Funding (a) There is hereby appropriated $5 million from the general revenue fund to the Department of Public Safety for implementation of this Act, including training programs, patrols, grants to local agencies, and the driver reward program. (b) The Department may seek federal grants and private donations to supplement these funds. Section 7. Reporting The Department of Public Safety shall submit an annual report to the Legislature detailing the number of trainings conducted, tips received from commercial drivers, rescues effected, and arrests made as a result of programs established under this Act. Section 8. Severability If any provision of this Act is held invalid, the remainder shall remain in effect. Section 9. Effective Date This Act takes effect the first day of the month following its passage.