What happened?

On May 26, 2025, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 742, which is now awaiting the governor’s signature. The bill aims to strengthen the state’s response to human trafficking by requiring training and awareness efforts in emergency services and healthcare settings.

Overview:

Texas HB 742 (2025), which establishes Chapter 763 in the Texas Health and Safety Code and introduces new requirements to combat human trafficking for First Responders, Hospitals and Freestanding Emergency Medical Care Facilities:

First Responders Requirements

• Training for First Responders: Firefighters and emergency medical personnel (excluding volunteers and law enforcement) must complete a state-approved course on identifying, assisting, and reporting human trafficking victims.

• The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will oversee and publish these courses, including at least one free option.

Hospital and Freestanding Emergency Medical Care Facility Requirements

• Signage: Emergency departments must display 11×17 inch signs in English, Spanish, and any other language spoken by at least 10% of staff.

• Content – Signs must include:
  • A statement that all healthcare practitioners and first responders are required to receive human trafficking prevention training.
  • A statement that hospital (or facility) employees are protected from retaliation when reporting suspected trafficking in good faith.
  • A list of trafficking indicators and reporting contact information.

• Employee Protection: Hospitals (or facilities) may not discipline, retaliate against, or discriminate against employees who report suspected trafficking to authorities.

Employers should keep an eye out for the HHSC and the Attorney General’s websites for official materials and the mandated poster.

Source References

• TX HB 742 – Relating to human trafficking prevention, including training for first responders, disclosure of human trafficking information by certain health care facilities, and protection for facility employees who report human trafficking
• TX SB 1829 – Companion Bill

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