Bill > S872

This bill aims to strengthen anti-human trafficking laws by expanding the definition of trafficking to include sexual servitude, particularly involving minors, and by establishing a first-offender prostitution solicitation program where individuals charged with a first offense can be diverted to a program that includes education, counseling, and services related to the harms of commercial sex and trafficking, with successful completion leading to dismissal of charges. The bill also mandates the creation of pilot programs for human trafficking safe houses for both adult and child victims, requiring comprehensive services like case management, healthcare, and job training; it further mandates improved data collection and sharing among law enforcement and relevant agencies to identify trafficking patterns and victims, establishes a web portal for information dissemination, and supports the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline. Additionally, the bill requires mandatory training for law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, and other officials on identifying and prosecuting human trafficking, as well as educational training for educators and healthcare professionals; it also mandates public awareness programs to inform potential victims and the general public about the risks and consequences of human trafficking, including displaying informational signs in transportation hubs and certain businesses.