Human Trafficking Signage Requirements
The requirements for schools to post signs regarding human trafficking penalties have been amended by Senate Bill 2069 of the 88th Legislative Session of the Texas Legislature, which has been filed without the Governor’s signature.
The initial posting requirements, enacted in the last legislative session, stipulated the signs be posted in several locations, including the exterior boundaries of each school’s premises. Revisions to the statute, effective September 1, 2023, eliminate the need to post in multiple locations and only require the notice be posted in a conspicuous place reasonably likely to be viewed by all school employees and visitors.
Requirements
The warning signs describe the offense of human trafficking of a child (i.e., a person younger than 18 years of age). Signs must be written in English and Spanish and be at least 8.5 by 11 inches in size. Sample templates, including specific language, are posted on the Texas Education Agency website. The templates can be printed as is or used as a template for local development.
It’s expected that the posted commissioner rules, 19 Texas Administrative Code § 61.1053, implementing Senate Bill 1831 and House Bill 1540 from the 87th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature will be updated to reflect the new requirements.
Resources
Information on additional work-site posting requirements is available in the HR Department section of the HR Library (member login required). Details about upcoming changes to the TASB Federal Work-Site Posters can be found in the HRX article Update: Federal Work-Site Posters.
April Mabry
April Mabry oversees HR Services training services, member library products, and the HRX newsletter. She has provided HR training and guidance to Texas public schools since 1991. Mabry was a classroom teacher for 11 years in Texas and Michigan.
Mabry has a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Michigan and certification as a professional in human resources (PHR) and is a SHRM-CP.
Subscribe to HRX
Stay up to date with all the latest HR news and trends by joining the HRX mailing list!