# Plain Language Summary: No Trafficking Zones Act

This bill creates stricter punishments specifically for human traffickers who commit their crimes in or near schools. Right now, federal law punishes human trafficking with serious prison sentences, but this bill adds an extra penalty of up to five additional years in prison if the trafficking happens in a school zone or within 1,000 feet of where a school-sponsored activity is taking place. The bill defines "school zone" using existing federal definitions and includes any school-related activities like sports events, field trips, or after-school programs happening anywhere in the community.

The bill is based on research showing that traffickers deliberately target schools as hunting grounds for victims. According to the findings in the bill, surveys show that about 55 percent of young sex trafficking survivors in Texas were trafficked while at school or school activities, and many traffickers specifically hang around schools looking for vulnerable young people to exploit. The bill notes that traffickers often prey on kids who lack strong support systems, have experienced violence, are homeless, or are struggling academically—and they use manipulation, intimidation, and drugs to control their victims.

The practical effect of this law is that if someone is caught trafficking a minor in or near a school, they'll face significantly harsher punishment than they would for trafficking elsewhere. This is meant to send a strong message that schools are protected zones and to deter criminals from targeting children in these settings. The bill doesn't change what counts as trafficking or create new crimes—it simply increases the consequences when trafficking occurs in school-related contexts, recognizing that schools should be safe places where students can learn without fear of exploitation.

No Trafficking Zones Act

Jackson Lee, Sheila

Stop Human Trafficking in School Zones Act This bill establishes an enhanced penalty&#8212;an additional prison term of up to five years&#8212;for certain human trafficking offenses that occur in a school zone or on or within 1,000 feet of a premises on which a school-sponsored activity is taking place.