TX SB1278

Creates a new affirmative defense (Section 8.09 of the Penal Code) for victims of human trafficking or compelling prostitution who commit offenses because their trafficker coerced them, caused them to act under duress, or threatened them or their family with imminent death or serious bodily injury

Defense does not apply if the coercion, duress, or threat would not cause a reasonable person to engage in the charged conduct, or if the victim was merely provided an opportunity to commit the offense

Allows defendants to present evidence relevant to identifying their status as a trafficking victim to establish the affirmative defense

Applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025

Passed the Senate unanimously (31-0) on May 7, 2025, and the House (140-0) on May 23, 2025