The Joint Committee to Study Human Trafficking

83rd Legislature

July 24, 2014

10:00 a.m.

Nellie Schunior Central Administration Bldg.

201 E. Expressway 83

La Joya, Texas

 

Pursuant to a notice posted on July 9, 2014, revised on July 10, 2014, July 15, 2014 and July 21, 2014, the Joint Committee to Study Human Trafficking met in a public hearing and was called to order by the co-chair, Senator Joan Huffman, at 10:13 a.m.

 

The initial quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives Thompson, Senfronia; Alonzo; Fletcher; Hunter; Longoria; Moody; Parker; Rose; White; Workman; Senators Huffman; Birdwell; Estes; Van de Putte; and Whitmire.

 

A quorum was present.

 


 

The committee met to hear testimony on ways to further combat human trafficking along the Texas border and region and to discuss services available to victims.

 

Sen. Huffman, co-chair, made opening remarks and thanked Rep. Oscar Longoria for hosting the meeting.

 

Sen. Huffman introduced senate and house members, including Senator Dan Patrick, Sen. Juan Hinojosa, and Rep. Ryan Guillen.

 

Rep. Oscar Longoria, acting chair, thanked the committee and welcomed everyone to La Joya, Texas.

 

Sen. Huffman recognized Rep. Senfronia Thompson, co-chair, for opening remarks.

 

Sen. Huffman recognized Sen. Estes for opening remarks.

 

Sen. Huffman recognized Fito Salinas, mayor of La Joya, for remarks.

 

Testimony was taken. (See attached witness list.)

 

Sen. Huffman welcomed Sen. Eddie Lucio and recognized him for remarks.

 

Testimony continued. (See attached witness list.)

 

After invited testimony, on the motion of Senator Huffman and without objection, the committee adopted a 3-minute rule for the remainder of the meeting.

 

Testimony continued. (See attached witness list.)

 

There being no further business, Senator Huffman announced that the committee will hold two more public hearings…one in the Dallas/Ft Worth area on September 25, 2014 and the other one in Houston at Texas Southern University on October 22, 2014.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 3:14 p.m., on the motion of Senator Huffman and without objection, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the co-chairs.

 

 

________________________________________________

Sen. Huffman, Co-Chair

 

 

________________________________________________

Rep. Thompson, Senfronia, Co-Chair

 

 

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Milda Mora, Clerk