Bill > HB2206

This bill significantly increases criminal penalties for human trafficking-related offenses in West Virginia, focusing on protecting both adult and minor victims. The legislation establishes substantially longer mandatory minimum sentences for various human trafficking crimes, such as trafficking individuals, using forced labor, engaging in debt bondage, and sexual servitude. For adult victims, penalties now range from 15 to 40 years in prison, while offenses involving minors carry even more severe sentences, often 25 to 100 years or with no maximum penalty. The bill eliminates previous monetary fine options and replaces them with mandatory prison time. Additionally, the legislation introduces new provisions that make each victim a separate offense, create strict parole restrictions (including potential lifelong parole ineligibility for crimes involving minors), and mandate restitution to victims. The bill also provides immunity for minor victims of sex trafficking, ensuring they are treated as victims rather than criminals, and are potentially eligible for specialized child welfare services. Furthermore, the legislation includes provisions for forfeiture of property used in trafficking and mandatory debarment from government contracts for convicted traffickers.

Justice

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=2206&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill