Bill > S2151

This bill makes several key changes to combat human trafficking and protect survivors in Massachusetts: 1. It allows courts to vacate convictions, delinquency adjudications, or continuances without a finding for certain offenses if the defendant was a victim of human trafficking at the time of the offense. This creates a presumption of victimization for certain prostitution-related offenses. 2. It establishes first offender commercial sexual exploitation prevention programs that provide information, counseling, and services to defendants charged with certain sex-related offenses. Successful completion of these programs can lead to dismissal of charges. 3. It requires law enforcement agencies to report data on human trafficking crimes to a central repository, and mandates regular reporting on these statistics by district attorneys and the Attorney General. 4. It requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to file an annual report on the adequacy and limitations of services for human trafficking victims. 5. It directs the Division of Professional Licensure to develop recommendations and an implementation plan to license and oversee professionals and establishments performing bodywork therapy, in order to address potential human trafficking issues in that industry.

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S2151