Bill > SB755

This bill introduces comprehensive changes to protect vulnerable persons, particularly in the areas of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and related legal protections. Key provisions include establishing a Statewide Council Against Adult Trafficking and the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children within the Attorney General's office, creating an Anti-Trafficking Fund, and mandating specialized training on sex and human trafficking for various professional groups like juvenile officers, counselors, and peace officers. The bill raises the age of legal protection from seventeen to eighteen in multiple statutes, expanding protections for minors. It also increases penalties for patronizing prostitution, with more severe consequences for offenses involving minors, and creates a new Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation Fund that requires restitution payments from convicted offenders to support victim rehabilitation and prevention efforts. Additionally, the bill allows for easier expungement of prostitution records for individuals who were acting under coercion and establishes new guidelines for witness protection services. These changes aim to provide more comprehensive support and legal recourse for victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation while enhancing prevention and prosecution efforts.

Justice

https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=6348288