AR HB1554

Creates an affirmative defense for victims of human trafficking charged with forgery, defrauding prospective adoptive parents, prostitution, obscene performance at live public shows, or non-Class Y controlled substance offenses if the person engaged in the conduct as a result of being trafficked.

Expands the definition of "involuntary servitude" to include abuse or threatened abuse of law or legal process.

Adds two new definitions to the Human Trafficking Act of 2013: "abuse or threatened abuse of law or legal process" and "serious harm" (physical or nonphysical harm sufficient to compel a reasonable person to perform labor or services).

Expands the offense of trafficking of persons to include recruiting or obtaining a pregnant woman through force, restraint, serious injury, abuse of legal process, or threats in order to place her unborn child for adoption.

Clarifies that a finding on the affirmative defense under this act does not affect eligibility for conviction sealing under § 16-90-1412 for trafficking victims convicted of prostitution.