HB305 Summary

• Expands human trafficking definitions and penalties including sexual servitude, increases age of minor from 18 to 19, and establishes human trafficking in the first degree as a Class A felony.

• Creates new crime of prostitution with a minor (Class B felony) and prohibits defendants from using mistake of age or consent as a defense; adds $500 fine per conviction for trafficking and prostitution offenses.

• Grants Attorney General authority to bring civil actions against human trafficking perpetrators to recover damages for victims with no statute of limitations; allows issuance of investigative subpoenas with civil penalties up to $50,000 per violation.

• Permits human trafficking victims to expunge criminal records if they prove by preponderance of evidence they committed offenses while being trafficked and would not have committed them otherwise.

• Requires Alabama Board of Massage Therapy to conduct criminal history background checks on licensees and applicants, prohibits overnight stays at establishments, and mandates reporting of sexual misconduct within 30 days with penalties including fines up to $10,000 and license suspension.