1. (a) A corporation or private entity that applies for a certificate of recognition, or seeks to renew its certificate of recognition, must submit to the secretary of state, on a form provided by the secretary of state and supported by additional documentation if required by the secretary of state, information demonstrating that the applicant:

   1. (1) has adopted a Zero Tolerance Policy towards human trafficking;

   2. (2) has taken measures to ensure that the corporation's or private entity's employees comply with the Zero Tolerance policy. Measures must include, at a minimum:

      1. (A) implementing a mandatory human trafficking awareness training for all employees, and the actions that will be taken against employees for violations; and
      2. (B) establishing a policy and point of contact for employees to report possible violations without fear of retaliation, including through a hotline number and e-mail address, and to ensure that any violations get reported to the proper law enforcement agency and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services; and
      3. (C) providing information to employees about resources for providing assistance to victims of human trafficking.
   3. (3) has participated in a minimum of one public awareness and education campaign each year that actively demonstrate social responsibility within its community to raise awareness of human trafficking, including supporting federal, state and local efforts to combat and prosecute human trafficking;
   4. (4) has enhanced awareness of and encouraged participation in the partnership by notifying employees and business partners that the entity has been granted or is seeking a certificate of recognition as a member of the partnership; and
   5. (5) agrees to share with the secretary of state best practices that are effective in combatting human trafficking.
2. (b) Each application for certificate of recognition or renewal must be signed and sworn to before a notary public or other person authorized to administer oaths by or on behalf of the applicant.
3. (c) If, after review of the corporation's or private entity's application, and any additional documentation if required by the secretary of state, the secretary of state determines that all requirements set forth in subsections (a) and (b) have been met, the secretary will issue a certificate of recognition to the applicant.

Source Note:The provisions of this §90.2 adopted to be effective January 3, 2016, 40 TexReg 9613.