Representative Shelton’s HB 1372 press release
REPRESENTATIVE MARK SHELTON PASSES BILL TO AID VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING
For Immediate Release
April 21, 2009
Bill would add victims of human trafficking to the definition of a victim in the Code of Criminal Procedure.
AUSTIN, TEXAS - Representative Mark Shelton passed House Bill (H.B.) 1372 on the floor of the House today. H.B. 1372 would add victims of human trafficking to the definition of a victim under the Code of Criminal Procedure. “Human trafficking is becoming a significant problem in the United States and especially Texas,” Shelton said. “It is a form of modern-day slavery that is physically and emotionally devastating to the victim.”
H.B. 1372 would sanction victims of human trafficking to qualify for benefits and protections under the Crime Victim’s Compensation Act, including the Victim’s Compensation Fund. Victims of human trafficking would be eligible for medical and psychiatric care, loss of earnings support, and vocational training and rehabilitation. The Victim’s Compensation Fund is financed by perpetrators of violent crime.
“The Texas Response to Human Trafficking report released by the Office of the Attorney General explicitly recommended adding victims of human trafficking to the definition of a victim. House Bill 1372 will make this recommendation a reality,” said Shelton.
“I support anything we as lawmakers can do to help the victims of this horrible crime, as well as prosecute and convict the perpetrators.”
This is the second bill that first term member Shelton has passed through the House of Representatives. Shelton represents House District 97, which is located in southwest Tarrant County.
