Experts call it a crime that can hide in plain sight. Human trafficking is the world's fastest growing organized crime, and as many as one in four victims in the US pass through Texas. State Senator Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, authored new legislation to crack down on the illegal practice of holding people captive for labor or sex.  

“Modern day slavery. That's exactly what this is. Modern day slavery," Van de Putte said.

Republican Attorney General Greg Abbott, who joined the state senator on Monday, is urging more state prosecutorial authority over human trafficking, which is typically handled by federal authorities. 

The problem is prevalent all over Texas, according to a report just completed by the AG's office. In San Marcos this July, federal agents found dozens of illegal immigrants held captive in their underwear to prevent them from running away. The leaders of that ring were arrested and charged.

"We have no current authority to prosecute this," said Abbott.

When lawmakers return for the upcoming legislative session, Van de Putte's SB 89 will await their consideration. It creates a human trafficking task force and directs general state money to fight the problem, broadens the definition of human trafficking and calls for additional training for law enforcement and social workers to be on the lookout for victims.

"This is somethign that one jurisdiction can't just handle, because of the mobility of these folks. They are extremely savvy, and it is organized," said Van de Putte.