(Austin) — Today, Senator Leticia Van de Putte (Dist. 26, Bexar County) and Representative Senfronia Thompson (Dist. 141, Harris County) filed three legislative proposals focusing on helping victims of human trafficking and continuing the statewide collaborative efforts of the Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force.

"This issue has become more prevalent and people are beginning to take notice and understand just how important it is that we do something to put an end to it. We must continue our fight against this horrendous crime and start to focus not only on the criminals that facilitate this crime but also on the victims that are forever affected," said Representative Thompson.

The three legislative proposals are:

• Senate Bill 92/House Bill 91 creates a pre-adjudication diversion program for juveniles who are involved in prostitution. The program would provide that those juveniles involved would receive services and treatment.

• Senate Bill 93/House Bill 89 continues the Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force under the Attorney General's Office for two years. The Task Force comprises over 47 members of governmental agencies — federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, service providers and others involved in anti-human trafficking efforts.

• Senate Bill 94/House Bill 90 provides victims of compelled prostitution an opportunity to seek civil remedies from their trafficker or a publisher of an advertisement that led to their victimization.

"Children in Texas are being exploited and lured into prostitution, and we must begin to treat minors as the victims they are instead of criminals," Van de Putte said. "Texas' successful legislative efforts against human trafficking are due in large part to the work of Attorney General Abbott and the Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force."

Senator Van de Putte and Representative Senfronia Thompson look forward to working with Governor Perry, Attorney General Abbott, and their Senate and House colleagues on these and other anti-human trafficking efforts.

Senator Leticia Van de Putte and Representative Senfronia Thompson co-chair the Joint Interim Committee to Study Human Trafficking.