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SB955

Regular Session

Relating to the punishment for the offense of trafficking of persons.

Low
Low Cost
Effective:2025-09-01
SB955
Low
Relating to the punishment for the offense of trafficking of persons.
Low Compliance Urgency
Requires routine attention
Cost Impact
Low
Effective
2025-09-01
Enforcing Agencies
District AttorneysLocal Law Enforcement AgenciesTexas Department of Public Safety
Primary Author: Sen. Tan Parker
89th Texas Legislature
jdkey.com
01

Compliance Analysis

Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation

Implementation Timeline

  • Effective Date: September 1, 2025
  • Compliance Deadline: August 15, 2025 (All contract amendments and staff training must be finalized prior to the law's effective date).
  • Agency Rulemaking: No statutory rulemaking is mandated; however, expect immediate policy updates from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and county sheriffs regarding vendor access protocols to align with these enhanced penalties.

Immediate Action Plan

  • Map all physical assets and standard logistics routes against a database of Texas correctional facilities to identify 1,000-foot exposure zones.
  • Audit current vendor access lists for correctional facilities and purge inactive or unverified personnel immediately.
  • Issue a compliance memo to fleet managers regarding the new penalty zones and update geofencing alerts.
  • Review professional liability insurance policies to ensure coverage for civil defense costs related to negligent supervision claims.

Operational Changes Required

Contracts

  • Vendor Agreements: Amend Master Service Agreements (MSAs) to include immediate termination clauses for any employee suspected of fraternization with inmates.
  • Indemnification: Require subcontractors to indemnify your organization specifically against criminal acts committed by their employees within the new 1,000-foot enhancement zones.

Hiring/Training

  • Enhanced Screening: Update background check criteria for staff with facility access to specifically screen for prior solicitation or exploitation offenses.
  • Driver Training: Logistics personnel must be trained that correctional facility perimeters now carry "School Zone" style penalty enhancements; loitering near these facilities is a critical risk.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

  • GPS Data Retention: Logistics companies must retain GPS data for routes near correctional facilities to provide a defensive record proving vehicles were "in-transit" rather than loitering.
  • Access Logs: Maintain precise, timestamped logs of all non-employee personnel entering secure perimeters to track potential exposure.

Fees & Costs

  • Insurance Premiums: Anticipate potential increases in General Liability premiums for operations within the "enhancement zone."
  • Legal Spend: Budget for immediate legal counsel review of employment contracts and liability insurance exclusions regarding "criminal acts."

Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations

  • Scope of "Recruitment": The statute punishes "recruiting" a confined person but does not define the method. Businesses must assume that digital communication, passed notes, or third-party messaging constitutes a violation.
  • Definition of "Correctional Facility": The status of privately operated halfway houses and residential re-entry centers is legally ambiguous. Until clarified by case law, treat *any* facility housing court-ordered individuals as a "Correctional Facility" for the purpose of the 1,000-foot zone.

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Information presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.

02

Legislative Timeline

This bill's path through the Texas Legislature

Filed
Jan 28, 2025
Passed Senate
Apr 10, 2025
Passed House
May 28, 2025
Signed
Jun 20, 2025
TopicsCorrectionsCorrections--jails & PrisonsCrimesCrimes--against PersonsCrimes--against Persons--generalCrimes--against Persons--sexualHuman Trafficking
03

Senate Authors

Sen. Tan ParkerRepublican · Primary Author
Coauthors (3)

House Sponsor

Rep. David CookRepublican · Primary Sponsor

Bill Text(with markup)

View bill text in multiple formats on Texas Legislature website

Fiscal NoteView Original

Related Legislation

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More from Sen. Tan Parker

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Related by Topic

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Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about SB955

Q

What does Texas SB955 do?

SB955 elevates human trafficking to a First Degree Felony (minimum 25 years imprisonment) for offenses involving the recruitment of confined persons or occurring within 1,000 feet of a correctional facility. This legislation creates immediate liability exposure for private prison operators, facility vendors, and logistics companies operating near jails, necessitating rigorous oversight of staff interactions with inmates and strict geofencing of fleet operations. Implementation Timeline Effective Date: September 1, 2025 Compliance Deadline: August 15, 2025 (All contract amendments and staff training must be finalized prior to the law's effective date).

Q

Who authored SB955?

SB955 was authored by Texas Senator Tan Parker during the Regular Session.

Q

When was SB955 signed into law?

SB955 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.

Q

Which agencies enforce SB955?

SB955 is enforced by District Attorneys, Local Law Enforcement Agencies and Texas Department of Public Safety.

Q

How urgent is compliance with SB955?

The compliance urgency for SB955 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the requirements and timeline to ensure timely compliance.

Q

What is the cost impact of SB955?

The cost impact of SB955 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

Q

What topics does SB955 address?

SB955 addresses topics including corrections, corrections--jails & prisons, crimes, crimes--against persons and crimes--against persons--general.

Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: November 25, 2025

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