Bill > SB429

This bill amends Arkansas law to enhance protections and rights for victims of human trafficking by making three key changes. First, the bill mandates that courts issue a no-contact order when a defendant is charged with a human trafficking offense, ensuring additional protection for victims. Second, the bill expands the legal definition of "victim" to explicitly include victims of human trafficking, giving them similar rights and recognition as victims of sex offenses or violent crimes. Third, the bill broadens the provisions for sealing criminal records for human trafficking victims, allowing individuals to petition to have certain convictions sealed if they were obtained as a result of being a human trafficking victim. This applies to prostitution convictions for both minors and adults over 18, and allows victims to file a petition at any time to seal such records. The bill aims to provide legal recourse and support for individuals who have been coerced into criminal activity as a result of human trafficking, recognizing the complex and traumatic nature of these experiences and seeking to remove barriers to their recovery and reintegration into society.

Justice

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb429&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R