SB1212

SB1212 makes trafficking of persons under Penal Code 20A.02 a first-degree felony as the general rule, rather than a second-degree felony unless specified aggravating circumstances apply. The ordinary prison range therefore rises from 2–20 years to 5–99 years or life; either degree can carry a fine of up to $10,000. A separate location-based rule retains a higher 25-year minimum. These are statutory ranges, not a prediction of a particular sentence. Signed June 20, 2025, the act takes effect September 1, 2025. Final law, sections 2–3 and 6; First-degree range; Second-degree range; Official history.

Children and disabled victims: The act writes directly into the four child/disabled-victim trafficking provisions that they apply regardless of whether the person knows the child’s age or knows the victim is disabled. Those provisions cover forced labor, benefiting from the corresponding venture, specified sexual exploitation, and benefiting from that venture or sexual conduct with a person trafficked in that manner. It does not erase the other required conduct, intent or knowledge elements: subsection (a) still begins “knowingly,” and the labor provisions retain their stated requirements. A child for this chapter is someone younger than 18. Final law, section 1; Chapter definitions.

The 25-year minimum: The law combines previously separate versions of the rule for trafficking on or within 1,000 feet of specified premises. The unified list covers schools, covered colleges, juvenile detention and post-adjudication secure correctional facilities, specified shelters/residential treatment centers, youth-service community centers and child-care facilities. It also covers premises where an official school function or University Interscholastic League event is taking place and the surrounding 1,000 feet. When the location condition is shown at trial, the prison range is 25–99 years or life. This is not a new 25-year minimum for every trafficking conviction, nor were all these locations newly protected in 2025. Final law, section 3; Prior trafficking law, including both location-rule versions.

Trial evidence and timing: The act updates the special evidence provision to identify child/disabled-victim trafficking directly by subsection (a)(5)–(8), replacing a reference to the deleted penalty subdivision. It does not extend that reference to every adult-trafficking prosecution. The existing separate-offense evidence process includes a judicial hearing outside the jury’s presence, a finding that the evidence can support proof beyond a reasonable doubt, and advance notice. The act applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1; if any element occurred earlier, the former law governs. Final law, sections 4–5; Existing evidence rule and safeguards.