CIVIL PRACTICE AND REMEDIES CODE

TITLE 4. LIABILITY IN TORT

CHAPTER 98. LIABILITY FOR TRAFFICKING OF PERSONS



Sec. 98.001. DEFINITION. In this chapter, "trafficking of persons" means conduct that constitutes an offense under Chapter 20A, Penal Code.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 309 (H.B. 533), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.



Sec. 98.002. LIABILITY. (a) A defendant who engages in the trafficking of persons or who intentionally or knowingly benefits from participating in a venture that traffics another person is liable to the person trafficked, as provided by this chapter, for damages arising from the trafficking of that person by the defendant or venture.

(b) It is not a defense to liability under this chapter that a defendant has been acquitted or has not been prosecuted or convicted under Chapter 20A, Penal Code, or has been convicted of a different offense or of a different type or class of offense, for the conduct that is alleged to give rise to liability under this chapter.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 309 (H.B. 533), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.



Sec. 98.003. DAMAGES. (a) A claimant who prevails in a suit under this chapter shall be awarded:

(1) actual damages, including damages for mental anguish even if an injury other than mental anguish is not shown;

(2) court costs; and

(3) reasonable attorney's fees.

(b) In addition to an award under Subsection (a), a claimant who prevails in a suit under this chapter may recover exemplary damages.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 309 (H.B. 533), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.



Sec. 98.004. CAUSE OF ACTION CUMULATIVE. The cause of action created by this chapter is cumulative of any other remedy provided by common law or statute.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 309 (H.B. 533), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.



Sec. 98.005. JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY. A person who engages in the trafficking of persons or who intentionally or knowingly benefits from participating in a venture that traffics another person and is found liable under this chapter or other law for any amount of damages arising from the trafficking is jointly liable with any other defendant for the entire amount of damages arising from the trafficking.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 309 (H.B. 533), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.



Sec. 98.006. LIBERAL CONSTRUCTION AND APPLICATION. This chapter shall be liberally construed and applied to promote its underlying purpose to protect persons from human trafficking and provide adequate remedies to victims of human trafficking.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 309 (H.B. 533), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.