Today, September 1, 2023, all students in Texas colleges and children in shelters, treatment centers, group homes and on all college campuses are safer. That’s due to two new Texas laws, HB 3553 and 3554. Thanks to anti-trafficking leader Jacquelyn Aluotto, founder of NTZ Inc, The Survivor Leaders who fought for this, Representative Shawn Thierry who sponsored the bills, Senator John Whitmire who carried the bills in the Texas Senate, all bipartisan supporters who voted “Yes!” Ultimately, Governor Abbott believed and signed the bills into law.

An offense under these laws is a felony in the first degree punishable 25 years to 99 years in the Texas prison system. These laws increase the criminal penalties to a level that makes committing them a threat to predators, pimps, groomers, and traffickers. This is a huge victory for our state. Parents, educators, shelter operators, and college students should all be informed about these laws.

Today, is a victory for all in the fight against human trafficking.