HB481 - Alabama Human Trafficking Safe Harbor Act

• Prohibits children under 18 who are sexually exploited from being adjudicated delinquent or convicted of prostitution; allows adjudication as a child in need of supervision or dependent child instead.

• Prevents transfer of cases involving sexually exploited children engaged in prostitution from juvenile court to adult court, with limited exceptions for youthful offender convictions.

• Requires juvenile courts to retain jurisdiction over sexually exploited children and issue protective orders necessary for their health and safety.

• Mandates $500 additional fine upon conviction for promoting prostitution or certain prostitution-related offenses, with fines paid to court-certified therapeutic counselors providing education and treatment programs.

• Allows detention of non-English speaking foreign nationals arrested for prostitution for up to 72 hours to ensure access to health care, shelter, mental health counseling, and financial aid.