Bill > H2834

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework to combat human trafficking and protect its victims by creating a dedicated "Victims of Human Trafficking Trust Fund" funded by forfeited assets and fines related to human trafficking crimes, with the State Treasurer managing the fund and the victim and witness assistance board awarding grants for services like legal aid, healthcare, and housing. It also introduces new criminal offenses for involuntary servitude, trafficking of persons for forced labor or services, and procuring others for sexual servitude, with enhanced penalties for offenses involving children or resulting in serious harm or death, and allows for civil actions by victims to recover damages, attorney fees, and costs, including treble damages in cases of willful and malicious acts. Furthermore, the bill strengthens protections for victims by ensuring their names and identifying information are kept confidential during investigations and prosecutions, establishes privileges for confidential communications between victims and their caseworkers, and allows victims to provide testimony remotely in civil cases if they cannot appear in person due to immigration laws or hardship. It also clarifies that amounts received by a human trafficking victim from actions related to involuntary servitude or trafficking are not taxable income, and provides for speedy trials in civil actions brought by victims. Finally, the bill mandates restitution for victims in criminal cases, including lost income, medical expenses, and emotional distress, and allows for the forfeiture of assets used in human trafficking activities, with a portion of the proceeds going to the trust fund.