The Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 11 to final passage, which establishes an affirmative defense to prosecution for certain victims of human trafficking or compelling prostitution who can show they committed conduct under force, fraud, or coercion.

Sponsor summary and scope
Senator Parker, sponsor of SB 11, said the bill recognizes the coercive methods traffickers use — psychological, financial and emotional control that makes escape difficult — and addresses a gap in the duress standard that requires immediate risk of death or serious bodily injury. Parker said the bill would not apply to ‘‘3G’’ offenses (the most serious offenses) and instead provides an affirmative defense for other crimes when victims can demonstrate compulsion by traffickers.

Why it matters
Supporters said the change gives trafficking survivors a path to avoid conviction for crimes they were compelled to commit and facilitates rehabilitation and reintegration. The bill passed final passage with a recorded vote of 30 ayes, 0 nays.

Procedural outcome
Sponsor moved final passage after unanimous support in preceding votes; the Senate recorded a 30‑0 final vote for SB 11.

Ending
Senators characterized the bill as a major step to protect trafficking survivors and to better align the criminal code with victim protection principles.