AUSTIN — Human trafficking will be prosecuted as a first-degree felony in Texas beginning Monday, following the passage of Senate Bill 1212.

Gov. Greg Abbott signed the measure into law last week, raising the penalty for human trafficking to between 25 years and life in prison. Previously, trafficking was often charged as a second-degree felony, carrying sentences of two to 20 years, according to state legislative records.

The change also expands penalties for those who financially benefit from trafficking and broadens protections for minors. The Texas Penal Code classifies first-degree felonies as the most serious offenses, which include crimes such as aggravated robbery and murder.

Abbott said the new law is part of Texas’ continued efforts to combat trafficking networks. “By strengthening penalties for traffickers, we are making it clear that Texas will not tolerate this heinous crime,” Abbott said in a statement.

Texas consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of reported trafficking cases, according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

Photo credit: Office of Texas Governor