Regular Session
Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis
SB1212 elevates all human trafficking offenses to First Degree Felonies and removes the legal defense of ignorance regarding a victim's age or disability status. This imposes strict liability on businesses—particularly in hospitality, construction, and staffing—meaning you can be prosecuted for trafficking a minor even if you did not know the victim was underage.
Sen. Angela Paxton·Senate Bill·Regular Session
District Attorneys • Local Law Enforcement Agencies • Texas Attorney General • Texas Department of Public Safety
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Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
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This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
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Common questions about SB1212
SB1212 elevates all human trafficking offenses to First Degree Felonies and removes the legal defense of ignorance regarding a victim's age or disability status. This imposes strict liability on businesses—particularly in hospitality, construction, and staffing—meaning you can be prosecuted for trafficking a minor even if you did not know the victim was underage.
SB1212 was authored by Texas Senator Angela Paxton during the Regular Session.
SB1212 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.
SB1212 is enforced by District Attorneys, Local Law Enforcement Agencies, Texas Attorney General and Texas Department of Public Safety.
The regulatory priority for SB1212 is rated as "moderate". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.
The cost impact of SB1212 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
SB1212 addresses topics including crimes, crimes--against persons, crimes--against persons--general, crimes--against persons--sexual and criminal procedure.
Key dates for SB1212: Effective date is 2025-09-01. Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.
SB1212 establishes the following penalties: criminal penalty of Felony of the First Degree (5 to 99 years or life imprisonment) for General human trafficking offenses (labor or sex) and receiving benefits from such ventures. Previously a Second Degree Felony.; criminal penalty of Strict Liability (Defense Removal) for Trafficking a child or disabled individual. The law removes the defense of not knowing the victim's age or disability status.. Consult with legal counsel for specific applicability to your situation.
JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.
