Bill > S1989

This bill enhances New Jersey's existing human trafficking law by modifying criminal penalties and expanding the definition of human trafficking offenses. The bill clarifies that human trafficking occurs when someone knowingly recruits, transports, or obtains another person for sexual activity or labor services through various coercive means, such as threats of bodily harm, abuse of legal processes, fraud, or providing access to controlled substances. The legislation specifically strengthens provisions related to trafficking minors, making it a first-degree crime even if the perpetrator mistakenly believed the victim was over 18. The bill mandates a mandatory 20-year imprisonment term for certain trafficking offenses, during which the offender is ineligible for parole, and requires a mandatory fine of at least $25,000 that will be deposited into the Human Trafficking Survivor's Assistance Fund. Additionally, the bill requires convicted traffickers to pay restitution to victims based on the value of their labor or services, calculated using various state and federal labor laws. The bill also maintains an affirmative defense that allows victims of human trafficking to use their own trafficking experience as a defense if they are prosecuted for actions related to their trafficking situation.

Budget and Finance, Justice, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S1989