On Sept. 25, 10 a.m. to approximately 3 p.m., in SSB Conference Center, the Texas Legislature Joint Committee on Human Trafficking will having their meeting here on the LSC-North Harris campus. Rep. Sefronia Thompson and Sen. Leticia Van de Putte are the co-chairs. Approximately 16-18 elected officials including both State Representatives and State Senators will attend this meeting as well as the media. Milda Mora, Rep. Thompson’s Chief of Staff has said that our students are welcome to sit in to see a joint committee in action. She felt it was an unique opportunity for our students to see their State government at work. The meeting runs very long, so students may come in and out, but very quietly. Of course they shouldn’t be texting, or calling on cells phones or playing on laptops. Below is the synopsis of what the committee is discussing. The committee will discuss the following interim charge: Study the services available for victims of human trafficking provided by federal, state, and local agencies and non-governmental organizations, including the long range need for safe houses and shelters and the best practices for public/private partnerships providing services to victims. Review procedures and services available for youth that have been identified as sex trafficking victims, including analysis of the appropriate criminal penalties associated with prostitution.