Application for Certificate of Recognition
(Texas Businesses Against Trafficking)
The attached application, including the information provided in the application, is a public record and subject to
public access and disclosure. Do not include information that may be confidential or a trade secret.
Commentary
Texas Businesses Against Trafficking, the human trafficking prevention business partnership program
established under Section 405.023 of the Texas Government Code, recognizes that corporations and
private entities can contribute to the efforts of federal, state, and local officials engaged in combatting
human trafficking and in prosecuting human trafficking crimes. This application process is designed to
identify and recognize those corporations and private entities that have implemented zero tolerance
policies toward human trafficking and have taken voluntary steps to promote public awareness of human
trafficking.
Any corporation or private entity that engages in a for-profit activity may submit an application for
participation in the partnership and for a certificate of recognition. A corporation is defined by rule as a
domestic or foreign for-profit corporation, limited partnership, limited liability company, professional
association, or cooperative association that is governed under the Texas Business Organizations Code,
federal law, or the law of another state or nation. A private entity includes a bank, trust company, savings
and loan association, insurance company, railroad company, or other organization that engages in a for-
profit activity through its employees.
A certificate of recognition issued to an eligible participating corporation or private entity is valid for three
years and can be renewed for an additional term by the participating entity. There is no processing fee for
making an application.
Instructions for Form
A document on file with the secretary of state is a public record subject to public access and
disclosure. When providing address or telephone information, use a business or post office
box address rather than a residence address if privacy concerns are an issue.
• Applicant Information: Provide the full legal name of the applicant and its principal office address.
The principal office address does not need to be in Texas. The contact point is the individual to whom
any correspondence may be addressed regarding the application or documentation provided. The
contact point is not required to be the person who signed the application.
• Business Information: Completion of this section is not required, but optional. However, the
information provided may be useful to the secretary of state when developing a database of best
practices for combating a nd preventing human trafficking within certain industries or businesses.
• Attachments: If the space provided is not sufficient, provide additional information or documentation
as a separate attachment to the form. Do not include digital, video or electronic attachments. If
applicant provides employee training on human trafficking or other information in a digital or
electronic format, a print-out or transcript of the material should be provided.
• Execution: The application must be signed by a person who is authorized to sign on behalf of the
applicant. Generally, a corporate officer is authorized to sign on behalf of a corporate entity.
• Delivery Instructions: The completed form may be mailed to P.O. Box 13193, Austin, Texas 78711-
3193; or delivered to the James Earl Rudder Office Building, 1019 Brazos, Austin, Texas 78701. The
secretary of state will issue a certificate of recognition on filing a completed and approved application.
Revised 08/2019
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