Texas HB236 creates an affirmative defense for victims of trafficking or compelling prostitution.

Texas HB236 amends the Penal Code to establish an affirmative defense for individuals who were victims of trafficking or compelling prostitution and engaged in conduct that is the subject of prosecution. This defense applies if the individual was compelled by force, fraud, or coercion and would not have engaged in the conduct without such compulsion. The defense does not apply if the conduct constitutes an offense listed in Article 42A.054(a), Code of Criminal Procedure, unless the individual is charged only as a party to that offense.

Texas HB236 creates an affirmative defense for victims of trafficking or compelling prostitution.

Texas HB236 amends the Penal Code to establish an affirmative defense for individuals who were victims of trafficking or compelling prostitution and engaged in conduct that is the subject of prosecution. This defense applies if the individual was compelled by force, fraud, or coercion and would not have engaged in the conduct without such compulsion. The defense does not apply if the conduct constitutes an offense listed in Article 42A.054(a), Code of Criminal Procedure, unless the individual is charged only as a party to that offense.