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Bill > SB659


TX SB659

TX SB659
Relating to the prosecution and punishment of the offense of smuggling of persons.


summary

Introduced
12/19/2024
In Committee
05/14/2025
Crossed Over
04/30/2025
Passed
Dead
06/02/2025

Introduced Session

89th Legislature Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT relating to the prosecution and punishment of the offense of smuggling of persons.

AI Summary

This bill modifies Texas law regarding the offense of human smuggling by expanding the definition and increasing potential criminal penalties. Specifically, the bill broadens the existing smuggling statute to include not just transportation, but also assisting, soliciting, encouraging, directing, or aiding in the transportation of individuals with specific intent, such as concealing them from law enforcement or helping them flee arrest. The bill changes the law to apply to smuggling on both public and private property, removes the previous restriction of smuggling only applying to two or more individuals, and adds a new provision about forcibly taking or keeping an individual on property without their consent. The penalties for smuggling are enhanced, with circumstances that can elevate the offense from a third-degree felony (10 years imprisonment) to a second-degree or first-degree felony, including scenarios involving potential serious bodily injury, smuggling minors, seeking financial benefit, possessing a firearm during the offense, or using government resources to facilitate the smuggling. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to offenses committed on or after that date.

Committee Categories

Justice, Military Affairs and Security

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Committee report sent to Calendars (on 05/19/2025)

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