HB422 Summary

• Expands human trafficking law to eliminate coercion or deception requirement when victim is physically or mentally incapable of consent, matching existing exception for minor victims.

• Establishes minimum 15 years and 1 day to life imprisonment for conviction of human trafficking of a minor, and minimum 30 days confinement for second or subsequent conviction of patronizing a prostitute.

• Authorizes courts to appoint a master or receiver to seize assets of legal entities accused of human trafficking pending case outcome under specified conditions.

• Increases penalty for subsequent violation of human trafficking hotline posting requirements from $25 to $250 and designates enforcement agencies including Secretary of Labor, Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, and Public Service Commission.

• Creates whistleblower protections preventing employer retaliation against employees reporting human trafficking and allows municipalities to adopt ordinances for impounding vehicles used in human trafficking or prostitution crimes.

• Requires courts to hold hearing and grant expungement petitions for human trafficking victims if court reasonably satisfied they met requirements.