HB 589

relating to combating human trafficking by the Texas Department of
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Chapter 51, Occupations Code, is amended by
adding Subchapter K to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER K.  COMBATING HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Sec. 51.551.  ANTI-TRAFFICKING ACTIVITIES.  The department
may combat human trafficking by:
(1)  establishing within the department an
(2)  identifying businesses operating within
industries regulated by the department that are impacted by human
(A)  the office of the attorney general, including
any council, task force, or work group established by that office to
(B)  local, state, and federal law enforcement
(C)  any nongovernmental entity engaged in
efforts to combat human trafficking or assist victims.
Sec. 51.552.  RULES.  The commission may adopt rules to
combat human trafficking for any program regulated by the
department, including rules for conducting inspections and
investigations under Section 51.351.
Sec. 51.553.  CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS IDENTIFYING
VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING.  (a)  Information that identifies an
individual as a victim of human trafficking is confidential and
excepted from disclosure under Section 552.021, Government Code.
(b)  The department may withhold the information without the
necessity of requesting a decision from the attorney general under
Subchapter G, Chapter 552, Government Code.
SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.