Relating to the punishment for the offense of trafficking of persons.

SB 955 increases penalties for human trafficking in Texas by elevating certain offenses to first-degree felony status. It specifically enhances punishments when trafficking occurs near schools, colleges, shelters for vulnerable populations (like runaway youth or trafficking survivors), or during school events, within 1,000 feet of these locations. The bill also raises penalties if the victim is a child or disabled person, if serious injury or death occurs, or if traffickers use deadly weapons or obstruct breathing. These changes apply only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025. The law directly affects traffickers who commit offenses in these specified circumstances.