Bill > A198

This bill enhances New Jersey's existing human trafficking law by expanding and clarifying criminal penalties for individuals involved in human trafficking activities. The bill defines human trafficking as knowingly recruiting, transporting, harboring, or obtaining a person for sexual activity or labor through various coercive means, including physical threats, fraud, document confiscation, abuse of legal processes, or facilitating drug access. The legislation specifically strengthens penalties for trafficking adults and children, with a particular emphasis on cases involving minors under 18 years old. The bill mandates a minimum 20-year prison sentence for first-degree human trafficking convictions and requires a mandatory fine of at least $25,000, which will be deposited into the "Human Trafficking Survivor's Assistance Fund." Additionally, the law requires convicted traffickers to pay restitution to victims based on the value of their labor or services, using standards from various state and federal labor laws. The bill also includes an affirmative defense that allows a defendant to claim they were themselves a victim of human trafficking during the time of the alleged offense.

Budget and Finance, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A198