HB1695 Summary

• Eliminates prostitution charges for minors who are victims of human trafficking under Arkansas Code § 5-18-103, making it not an offense if the person was trafficked at the time of the alleged act.

• Requires law enforcement agencies investigating prostitution offenses allegedly committed by minors to make every effort to determine whether the minor was a victim of trafficking.

• Mandates that if a minor is determined to be a trafficking victim, the investigating law enforcement agency must immediately notify the prosecuting attorney.

• Imposes a $250 fine on persons convicted of prostitution for offering to pay, agreeing to pay, or paying for sexual activity, with fines deposited into the Safe Harbor Fund for Sexually Exploited Children.