Bill > SB442

This bill proposes comprehensive changes to Arkansas' laws concerning human trafficking, with several key provisions. The legislation creates a new Human Trafficking Operations Unit within the Division of Arkansas State Police, establishes a Human Trafficking Coordinator position, and creates the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council Support Fund to consolidate and streamline funding for human trafficking prevention and victim support efforts. The bill introduces a new criminal offense of harboring an endangered runaway minor, which is classified as a misdemeanor for first-time offenders and a felony for subsequent offenses. It also modifies existing laws related to asset forfeiture, allowing for the seizure of property used in human trafficking activities, with detailed procedures for how seized assets will be handled, inventoried, and potentially sold. Additionally, the bill changes how fines from various human trafficking and related offenses are collected and distributed, now routing all such funds into the new Arkansas Human Trafficking Council Support Fund. The legislation aims to enhance the state's ability to investigate human trafficking, support victims, and provide more comprehensive resources for combating these crimes by creating more robust institutional structures and funding mechanisms.

Justice

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb442&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R