Bill > H766

This bill aims to reduce the sexual exploitation of victims of human trafficking. It proposes the following key provisions: 1. It allows courts to vacate certain convictions, adjudications of delinquency, or continuances without a finding if the defendant can establish a reasonable probability that their participation in the offense was a result of being a victim of human trafficking. This includes a rebuttable presumption for cases involving a child under 18 charged with prostitution-related offenses, and a rebuttable presumption for adult defendants with official documentation of their status as a trafficking victim. 2. It allows for the dismissal of certain charges related to prostitution if the conviction, adjudication, or continuance is vacated under the new provisions. 3. It establishes an affirmative defense for defendants whose offenses were committed while under duress or coercion as a result of being a human trafficking victim. 4. It requires the sealing of court records in cases where charges are dismissed or the defendant is found not guilty after a plea of not guilty is entered under the new provisions. The bill aims to provide relief and protection for individuals who have been exploited through human trafficking and ensure their criminal records do not hinder their ability to move forward with their lives.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H766