TX HB2761

Amends Section 20A.02 (Trafficking of Persons) of the Texas Penal Code to eliminate two defenses when a trafficked child or disabled individual is caused to engage in prostitution: that the victim lacked the mental state to commit prostitution, or that the victim did not complete the act of prostitution

Applies the same elimination of defenses to Section 20A.03 (Continuous Trafficking of Persons) for cases involving children or disabled individuals forced into prostitution

Amends Section 43.05 (Compelling Prostitution) to similarly remove defenses based on the child's or disabled individual's mental state or failure to complete the act of prostitution

Changes apply only to offenses committed on or after the effective date; prior offenses remain governed by former law

Takes effect September 1, 2025; passed unanimously by the House (145-0) on May 12, 2025, and Senate (31-0) on May 26, 2025