The Houston Police Department (HPD) requests the establishment of the Human Trafficking Response and Recovery Fund (The "Fund"). This new Special Revenue Fund (SRF) will have a zero-beginning fund balance and will receive revenues from the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. The purpose of this fund is to support HPD initiatives that provide services and assistance to human trafficking victims.
This SRF is required to ensure compliance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 59, as amended effective September 1, 2019. The amendment specifies that forfeited assets related to human trafficking and certain prostitution offenses must be deposited into a dedicated fund and used solely for direct victim services.
Under Chapter 59, subsection (t):
Forfeited contraband connected to specific human trafficking or prostitution offenses must be used either to:
· Provide direct services to victims through the agency’s victim services division, or
· Fund contracts with local nonprofit organizations that provide such services.
Expenditures made under this subsection are deemed an official and lawful use of law enforcement funds.
Accordingly, funds received under this provision must be used exclusively to support programs and services that assist human trafficking victims.
Fiscal Note:
No significant fiscal operating impact is anticipated as a result of this ordinance.
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J. Noe Diaz, Jr.
Chief of Police