Texas Becomes the First State to Make Buying Sex a Felony

According to a new Texas state law, buying sex will now be treated as an indictable felony instead of a misdemeanor. As part of a sweeping piece of legislation aimed at further cracking down on human trafficking, the new law will go into effect on September 1.

“We know the demand is the driving force behind human trafficking,” said State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, primary author of the bill. “If we can curb or stamp out the demand end of it, then we can save the lives of numerous persons.”

According to Attorney General Ken Paxton, Thompson’s bill makes Texas the first state in the US to punish so-called “Johns” with a state jail felony. If you get a second conviction under this legislation, you’ll be charged with a third-degree felony.

Victim advocates have long claimed that our criminal justice system treats prostitution differently than other crimes.

Aly Jacobs, director of counseling and advocacy at the Houston Area Women’s Center, said, “It can be that we’re existing in a criminal justice system that sees survivors more than their traffickers or the buyers.”

Thompson also claims that many prostitutes are coerced into the sex trade as a result of human trafficking. She stated that those that are rescued require immediate assistance.

“You’re going to have to give them some kind of therapy, some kind of mental health treatment. You’re going to have to get them in a position to where they can go and get a job,” said Thompson.

Researchers at the University of Texas estimate that taxpayers spend roughly $6.6 billion each year dealing with the consequences of sex trafficking of minors. Houston’s vice division began targeting buyers and sellers, in the past, according to Lt. A. Merritt, who hopes that tougher penalties will finally make a difference in the future.

“It’s going to hold those buyers more accountable in order for us to do what we need to do to solve the issue,” said Merritt. “Not only will that jeopardize their livelihood, but that’s also going to jeopardize their freedom as well as their reputation.”

Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1540 after it passed both chambers in May. Among other things, the bill increases penalties for those who try to recruit victims from shelters and certain residential treatment facilities.