Relating to an affirmative defense to prosecution for certain victims of trafficking of persons or compelling prostitution.

HB 10 creates a legal defense for individuals who were victims of human trafficking or forced prostitution and face criminal charges for acts they committed under coercion. It allows defendants to argue that they engaged in the charged conduct solely because they were subjected to force, fraud, or coercion by traffickers, as defined in Texas law. To qualify, the defendant must show the coercion was necessary to engage in the conduct, would have compelled a reasonable person in their situation, and they weren't merely offered an opportunity without coercion. This defense applies only to offenses committed on or after the bill's effective date, which is 91 days after the legislative session ends.