Bill > HB80

This bill significantly strengthens Alabama's human trafficking laws by expanding definitions, enhancing penalties, and providing more comprehensive support for trafficking victims. The bill redefines key terms like "coercion," "deception," and "sexual servitude," and adds new provisions such as "aid" and "material support," which broaden the scope of prosecutable offenses. It modifies the criminal statute to include additional ways a person can be charged with human trafficking in the second degree, such as providing aid, material support, or hindering prosecution. The bill also significantly expands civil remedies for trafficking victims, mandating that courts award not just actual damages, but also punitive damages (at least three times actual damages), damages for non-economic loss, attorney fees, and other costs. Furthermore, the bill extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting trafficking offenses, particularly for minors, allowing claims to be brought until the victim reaches 19 years of age or discovers the crime. A new provision is added that allows a criminal conviction to preclude a defendant from denying essential facts in subsequent civil actions, which could make it easier for victims to seek civil remedies. The bill is set to become effective on October 1, 2025, and represents a comprehensive effort to combat human trafficking by providing more robust legal tools for prosecution and victim support.

Justice

https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search