TX HB4816

Elevates the base offense of human trafficking from a second degree felony to a first degree felony, removing previous distinctions that required aggravating factors (such as child victims, serious bodily injury, or use of deadly weapons) for first degree classification

Maintains enhanced punishment of 25 years to life imprisonment for trafficking offenses committed within 1,000 feet of schools, juvenile detention facilities, shelters serving trafficking victims, community youth centers, or child-care facilities

Requires the Human Trafficking Prevention Coordinating Council's strategic plan to include interdiction strategies specifically focused on the Texas-Mexico Border Region

Directs the Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force to differentiate its recommendations for the Texas-Mexico Border Region from recommendations for other parts of the state when developing strategies to prevent trafficking and prosecute offenders

Applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, with prior offenses governed by former law