Human Trafficking, particularly Sex Trafficking, destroys lives and renders communities less family- and business-friendly.

Texas ranks second in the United States behind California in Human Trafficking victims, cases, and calls to the Human Trafficking Hot Line.

The city of Houston ranks second in the nation in human trafficking.

Human Trafficking, particularly Sex Trafficking, is rapidly infiltrating many communities in Texas today. Buying sex today is different than it has been in the past. Today, Pimps simply deliver the young female or male to the sex buyer’s home or arrange a meeting in a van.  Therefore, the illicit sex act is difficult for law enforcement to discover and successfully prosecute.  As a result, demand for illicit sex, and hence Human Trafficking, is increasing.

In 1999, Fort Bend County Commissioner Andy Meyers initiated and got the county to pass an Ordinance regulating Sexually Oriented Businesses (SOBs).  Under Texas law, a county cannot prevent a legitimate business from operating in the county. In Texas, an SOB is a legitimate business.  Under state statute, a county may restrict an SOB to less prominent and less convenient areas.

Because of the SOB Ordinance, there are no Topless Bars in Fort Bend County.  As a result, despite its proximity to Houston, ranked second for human trafficking, Fort Bend County has a relatively low number of Human Trafficking cases. Unfortunately, the number is not zero.

The county’s current SOB Ordinance restricts an SOB to no closer than 1500 feet from another facility or residence.  Under that Ordinance, an SOB could be located on SH 99, the Grand Parkway, just ½ mile south of Bellaire Blvd., a prominent and convenient location. Also, the current Ordinance does not provide standards for Massage Establishments to prevent them from becoming Massage Parlors, which by state definition are SOBs.

Commissioner Meyers is seeking to modify the SOB Ordinance to extend the 1500-foot distance to 3000 feet and to set rules and standards for Massage Establishments so they do not become Massage Parlors, which are SOBs. The 3000-foot distance would prevent an SOB from locating on the Grand Parkway.

Commissioner Meyers is also working with county officials to secure adequate funding to fight Human Trafficking.  He is working with others to raise awareness of Human Trafficking in Texas and to teach the public how to recognize the signs that a young male or female is being sex trafficked.

You can help fight Human Trafficking in Fort Bend County by signing this petition supporting Commissioner Meyers’ efforts.

This petition will be shared with the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court, the county’s policy-making authority.

Only your name will appear on the petition, but please provide your address so we can verify you are a resident of Fort Bend County. If you would like periodic alerts and updates on Human Trafficking and other issues from Commissioner Meyers, please provide your email address and cell phone number.