TX HB5547

Elevates all human trafficking offenses under Section 20A.02 from second-degree felonies to first-degree felonies as the baseline punishment

Removes the requirement that prosecutors prove the defendant knew the victim's age or disability status when trafficking children or disabled individuals for forced labor, services, or sexual exploitation

Establishes enhanced sentencing of 25 years to life imprisonment for trafficking offenses committed on or within 1,000 feet of schools, universities, juvenile detention facilities, child-care facilities, youth shelters, and community centers

Adds institutions of higher education to the list of protected locations where enhanced penalties apply for trafficking offenses

Allows admission of evidence of prior similar crimes in trials involving trafficking of children or disabled individuals, amending the Code of Criminal Procedure